Best How To Design A Toy Podcasts (2025)

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

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3d 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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148: The “Impossible” Backyard V10 Screamer 1:53:58

14h ago1:53:58

1:53:58

Want a high-revving, F1-sounding, naturally aspirated V10 on a budget? Sounds impossible—until Jack and Diego from Build It Yourself made it happen. They took a humble Ford V10 truck engine, crafted custom four-valve heads, and engineered headers that deliver that unmistakable F1 scream. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package…

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

7d 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

10d 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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Scalextric4Schools: Full Throttle Learning for the Engineers of the Future 16:35

9d ago16:35

16:35

What if the thrill of Formula One racing could inspire tomorrow's engineers? That's exactly what's happening with Scalextric4Schools, a nationwide initiative that's transforming how students engage with STEM subjects across the UK. The iconic slot car racing brand Scalextric is challenging secondary school students to design, build, and race their …

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Building Dacora: Kristie D’Ambrosio-Correll on Starting an Ultra-Luxury EV Company 35:53

12d ago35:53

35:53

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Managing Editor Marie Albiges interviews Kristie D’Ambrosio-Correll, CEO and co-founder of Dacora Motors, the first American ultra-luxury electric automotive brand. D’Ambrosio-Correll shares when she realized her dream of launching an American automotive brand could become …

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

14d 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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147: Inside the Art of Bespoke Engine Building 1:35:07

17d ago1:35:07

1:35:07

Whether it’s a bespoke quad-turbo V12 or a modified OE production engine, the fundamentals remain the same—we’re all looking for those extra gains. Italtecnica’s Riccardo Breda is here to break down the core concepts that could help you take your engine build to the next level. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://…

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

18d 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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🎂 Ten Years of Ingredipedia: Best Fails 19:19

21d 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

26d 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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IKEA US Commercial Chief Antonella Pucarelli on People-First Leadership 20:25

27d ago20:25

20:25

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Co-Founder Melissa Campanelli interviews Antonella Pucarelli, chief commercial officer of IKEA U.S. Listen in as Pucarelli shares her journey to IKEA, how her global experiences have shaped her leadership style, IKEA's commitment to a people-first culture, its digital trans…

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

28d 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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146: From Home Builds to Hypercars: Composites for Everyone 1:45:30

1M ago1:45:30

1:45:30

Composites might seem like the secret language of aerospace engineers and hypercar builders, but Gabriel Mountjoy from Common Fibers is here to break down those barriers. He’s out to prove that composites aren’t just exotic materials—you can use them to elevate your own builds too. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: http…

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

1M 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

1M 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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Rowan Founder and CEO Louisa Schneider on Pivoting to Follow Your Brand 'Why' 20:05

1M ago20:05

20:05

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Managing Editor Marie Albiges interviews Louisa Schneider, founder and CEO of Rowan, an ear piercing and hypoallergenic jewelry brand with studios across the U.S. Schneider discusses her entrepreneurial spirit and the genesis of the brand, her strategies for maintaining Row…

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

1M 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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145: How to Avoid Wasting Thousands on the Dyno 1:56:26

2M ago1:56:26

1:56:26

It’s common for car enthusiasts to rush their car onto the dyno before it’s truly ready, only to have it strapped down and the tuner uncover a list of issues. Nothing kills the excitement of chasing those long-awaited power figures faster than unexpected problems. Booking a session with remote tuning expert Shawn Christenson could save you thousand…

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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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😠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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How Anthropologie's Anu Narayanan Takes a 'Change or Fail' Approach to Her Career 33:00

2M ago33:00

33:00

In this episode of Women in Retail Talks, Women in Retail Leadership Circle Managing Editor Marie Albiges interviews Anu Narayanan, president of women's and home at Anthropologie, a global lifestyle brand in the URBN portfolio. Listen in as Narayanan shares her career journey in retail, how she infuses creativity and risk in her teams' everyday wor…

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Ryvid: Electric Motorcycles Powering a Change in Urban Transportation 17:58

2M ago17:58

17:58

What if your motorcycle wasn’t just electric, but designed to evolve with you? That’s the question Ryvid, a California-based electric vehicle startup, is answering with their bold new approach to urban mobility. Their modular, lightweight motorcycles are built not only for performance and style, but for sustainability across the full product lifecy…

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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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144: Is a Retired F1 Car the Ultimate Track Toy? 1:38:20

2M ago1:38:20

1:38:20

Formula 1 represents the pinnacle of motorsport and James Densley along with the team at TDF Limited are breathing new life into retired F1 cars, transforming them back into the ultimate track weapons. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip James shares his journey from a car-obsessed child through k…

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

2M 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

2M 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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Bucherer’s Jillian Chisari on Marketing Luxury Watches in a Digital World 24:43

2M 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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🇯🇵Pocky: Is Pepero coming for them? Plus, all the cutest limited editions 💕 16:21

2M 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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143: DIY Motorsport Isn’t Easy But It’s Insanely Rewarding 2:00:04

2M ago2:00:04

2:00:04

No matter the stage of a build, most projects reach a point where giving up feels tempting. They demand grit and perseverance—and Karel Silha from Karel S Motorsport’s wild DTM-inspired M4 Time Attack build is no exception. We first spoke to Karel in 2022, and now he’s back to share what it really takes to shake down and test a home-built car of th…

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

2M 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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🥝 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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How BARK CXO Meghan Knoll Brings Storytelling to Dog Toy Design 39:22

3M 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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Field Report: Why Your CAD Designs Don't Work 10:16

3M ago10:16

10:16

Designing an elaborate engine block or cylinder head in CAD is one thing, but actually manufacturing that design is another challenge altogether. In this video, we talk with Gerry from Crest CNC about what it takes to turn complex billet and cast designs into reality Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/pod…

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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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142: “Composites” aren’t just for high-end motorsport 1:22:12

3M ago1:22:12

1:22:12

“Composites” aren’t just expensive and elaborate carbon fibre parts for high-end race teams. It may be easier, more accessible, and cheaper than you think to get started in the composite game. This week on the podcast, we sit down with Keith Peden from Rodin Cars to unravel the world of composites. 👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's …

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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…

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Mazak: The Machine Tools Powering Sustainable Manufacturing 16:59

3M 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…