The Playground Podcast
By Chris Byrne
Listen to a podcast, please open Podcast Republic app. Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Image by Chris Byrne
Category: Kids & Family
Open in Apple Podcasts
Open RSS feed
Open Website
Rate for this podcast
Subscribers: 7
Reviews: 0
Episodes: 211
Description
Join Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy® as he presents a series of interviews with industry experts will tackle the topics of the toys, culture, toy history and talk with some of the leading people in the business of toys and children’s entertainment. Designed for anyone interested in toys, play and great stories, each weekly episode will feature engaging, entertaining conversation, useful information, insights, tales of the toys that we’ll never forget and so much more.
As they say, if it concerns toys and play, we’ll be kicking it around in The Playground.
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
|
The Science of Success: Jared Wolfson of Blue Marble
|
Jun 19, 2026 |
|
Batter Up: The Return of the Backyard Sports Franchise
|
Mar 16, 2026 |
|
Data-Driven Creative: Mark Basset of Precisify
|
Feb 27, 2026 |
|
Now What? Jay Foreman on the Current Tariff Issues
|
Feb 23, 2026 |
|
Social Shopping 2: Lee Parkhurst
|
Feb 13, 2026 |
|
Social Shopping Part 1: Nic Jones of Situaction UK
|
Jan 09, 2026 |
|
Azhelle Wade: The Toy Coach
|
Dec 30, 2025 |
|
2025 in Review: James Zahn, John Baulch & Chris
|
Dec 19, 2025 |
|
Under the Hood with Hot Wheels: Eric Ostendorff of Inventoy
|
Dec 08, 2025 |
|
Kids & Brands: Audrey Birner & Beano Brain
|
Nov 16, 2025 |
|
Robots and Play: Jamie Zhang of Robosen
|
Sep 25, 2025 |
|
The Future of AI in Toys: Misha Sallee of Curio
|
Aug 04, 2025 |
|
The Young Inventors Challenge: Powerful & Playfu.
|
Jul 14, 2025 |
|
Matt Brown: Making Great Play
|
Jun 05, 2025 |
|
Sue Warfield of ASTRA: Supporting Specialty
|
May 21, 2025 |
|
Sticking the Landing: Josh Carman of Popdarts
|
Apr 17, 2025 |
|
Brea Brand: Connetix, Community and a Competitive Edge
|
Apr 03, 2025 |
|
Media Strategies 2025: Generation Media & Precise TV
|
Mar 27, 2025 |
|
John Baulch, James Zahn: Toy Fair & Beyond
|
Mar 20, 2025 |
|
Greg Ahearn: NY Toy Fair & Beyond
|
Mar 13, 2025 |
|
Billy Lagor, CEO of Entertainment Earth
|
Feb 28, 2025 |
|
Hong Kong 2025: A Chat with Sophia Chong
|
Jan 25, 2025 |
|
Nuremberg Preview: Christian Ulrich of Spielwarenmesse
|
Jan 05, 2025 |
|
2024 In Review: James Zahn, John Baulch & Chris
|
Dec 19, 2024 |
|
A Licensing "Wow:" Nicole Blake & Andy Quartin
|
Nov 24, 2024 |
|
AI and Toys: Nelo Lucich of Skyrocket Toys
|
Nov 03, 2024 |
|
Purposeful Play & Learning Design: Dr. Ben Miller
|
Oct 20, 2024 |
|
Jay Foreman: China & The Toy Biz 2024
|
Sep 25, 2024 |
|
Making Fun: Barry and Jason
|
Sep 15, 2024 |
|
Alex Taylor & Hot Wheels: A Passion for Performance
|
Sep 05, 2024 |
|
Josh Garrett: Readyland and Revolutionizing Play with Tech
|
Aug 11, 2024 |
|
Matt Nuccio: Design Edge and Its Ongoing Success
|
Jul 26, 2024 |
|
Greg Ahearn: The Toy Assocation Today & In the Future
|
Jul 08, 2024 |
|
Making a Hit: Jeffrey Breslow and Frank Adler
|
Jun 26, 2024 |
|
Denis Crushell: Maximizing Your Digital Strategy
|
May 22, 2024 |
|
Dan Klitsner--Invention, Narrative & Fun!
|
May 15, 2024 |
|
The Toy Foundation: Pam Mastrota
|
May 01, 2024 |
|
Sharon John: Build-A-Bear's Strategy for Success
|
Apr 05, 2024 |
|
Thomas Deumier of Cloud B: Sleeping Your Way to Success
|
Mar 29, 2024 |
|
California, NYC & What's Ahead: Andy Keimach of the Toy Association
|
Mar 19, 2024 |
|
Radical Play: How Toys & Culture Changed in the 60s and 70s
|
Feb 21, 2024 |
|
The Hong Kong Toy Fair, Perspectives on Barbie
|
Feb 05, 2024 |
|
Year End 2023: James Zahn & John Baulch
|
Dec 20, 2023 |
|
How Innovation Defines a Company: Joost Poulus of Moose
|
Dec 10, 2023 |
|
Towards More Effective Communication: Matt Abrahams
|
Dec 01, 2023 |
|
Remembering Richard Gottlieb
|
Nov 25, 2023 |
|
John Tong: Hong Kong, Opportunities and the Future
|
Oct 13, 2023 |
|
A Change in the Era: A Chat with Litzky PR
|
Oct 07, 2023 |
|
Mary Couzin: Creating Community in the Toy Biz
|
Sep 28, 2023 |
|
Eric Poses: 25 Years of Winning
|
Sep 18, 2023 |
|
Gaming the Industry: Elan Lee of Exploding Kittens
|
Aug 28, 2023 |
|
Innovation & The Playful Life: Brendan Boyle
|
Aug 05, 2023 |
|
Toy Zone: Alex Prieto, Director of Fun on The Company, The Future of Play...And More
|
Jun 20, 2023 |
|
Tik Tok, Innovation, and a Millennial-run Company: Jessica Kalichman of WowWee
|
Jun 08, 2023 |
|
AI, Invention & More Dan Klitsner, Inventor of Bop-It
|
Apr 25, 2023 |
|
Madame Alexander Turns 100! A Chat with David Morgenstern
|
Mar 10, 2023 |
|
Report from Hong Kong: Direct from the Toys & Games Fair
|
Jan 14, 2023 |
|
Getting Ready for Nuremberg: Christian Ulrich of Spielwarenmesse
|
Jan 06, 2023 |
|
2022 In Review: Our 4th Annual Discussion
|
Dec 29, 2022 |
|
Slaying Social Media: Josh Loerzel & Sky Castle Toys
|
Dec 13, 2022 |
|
100 Years of Fun: Jim & Donna Pressman on Their New Book
|
Dec 07, 2022 |
|
Price Protection in a Competitive Environment: Ron Solomon of Mapptrap
|
Nov 09, 2022 |
|
Isaac Larian: The Interview. Building a Life and a Business with a Passion for Play
|
Oct 25, 2022 |
|
ASTRA: Toy Boats and the State of Specialty
|
Oct 14, 2022 |
|
More than a Blip: Building a Business on Classic Play
|
Oct 05, 2022 |
|
Update on Toy Fairs: Kim Carcone of the Toy Association
|
Sep 07, 2022 |
|
Validating STEM & STEAM: A Chat with The Good Play Guide
|
Aug 22, 2022 |
|
Didier Pietri, CEO of Luki Lab & Strottman
|
Jul 18, 2022 |
|
Showcase Comes to the U.S.: Samir Kulkarni, CEO
|
Jun 28, 2022 |
|
Jeffrey Breslow: A Gamemaker's Life
|
Jun 14, 2022 |
|
Private Label, New Materials Inside Boley
|
Jun 04, 2022 |
|
Action Face CEO Kenny Davis on a New, Interactive Virtual and Real World Platform
|
May 26, 2022 |
|
Aaron Muderick of the Toy Association on Toy Fair & More
|
May 16, 2022 |
|
Building a Global Brand: Star Stable Gallops Into the Toy World
|
May 09, 2022 |
|
Toy Industry History: Barry Schwartz on 50 Years of Making Hits
|
May 02, 2022 |
|
From Fad to Brand: Rainbow Loom 10 Years In
|
Apr 19, 2022 |
|
What Disney's Current Situation Teaches Managers: Eric Pliner of YSC Consulting
|
Apr 10, 2022 |
|
Next Gen Genius: Yanofsky & Wiseman of WowWee
|
Mar 31, 2022 |
|
Jumping into the Toy Biz: Producer Brian Volk-Weiss
|
Mar 21, 2022 |
|
Jay Foreman: The Case for September Toy Fair
|
Mar 07, 2022 |
|
The Power of Collecting: Christian Braun of HobbyDB
|
Mar 02, 2022 |
|
September Toy Fair: What It May Mean. Take 10
|
Feb 23, 2022 |
|
Thomas Kaeppeler of Ravensburger: Puzzling Out the Business
|
Feb 23, 2022 |
|
Steve Markey of Hog Wild: Toy Fairs, Retail & More
|
Feb 14, 2022 |
|
The Strong Museum: Game On
|
Jan 31, 2022 |
|
Making Music, Making Toys: Sarah Baskin of Far Out Toys
|
Jan 24, 2022 |
|
Strong Museum: The Doll Collections & The Power of American Girl
|
Jan 11, 2022 |
|
2021 Year in Review: Second Annual Thought Leader Panel Discussion
|
Dec 20, 2021 |
|
Dan Yaccarino: Drawing on a Great Career
|
Dec 09, 2021 |
|
Spielwarenmesse Update: A Conversation with Christian Ulrich
|
Nov 12, 2021 |
|
Making Amazon Work for You: Ryan Rollo of Channel Key
|
Nov 01, 2021 |
|
Take 10: Remembering Brian Goldner
|
Oct 18, 2021 |
|
Jennifer Caveza: Otis College Prepares the Next Generation of Toy People
|
Oct 07, 2021 |
|
Funko Games & Remembering Reuben Klamer
|
Sep 22, 2021 |
|
Jim Pressman Talks About a Lifetime of Play & Being Named to the Toy Hall of Fame
|
Sep 14, 2021 |
|
Rob Gardner of Joovy: Trends in the Baby Business
|
Sep 02, 2021 |
|
Industry Update: Steve Pasierb of the Toy Association
|
Aug 23, 2021 |
|
The Power of Collecting, Jeremy Padawer Part 2
|
Aug 11, 2021 |
|
Jazwares and The Emergence of Toy Powerhouse: Jeremy Padawer, Part 1
|
Jul 27, 2021 |
|
Industry Veteran Andy Weiner on the Toy Industry Foundation's Latest Initiatives and More
|
Jul 16, 2021 |
|
Social Media for Kids: Zigazoo is The Next Big Thing
|
Jul 06, 2021 |
|
The Essential Element of Emotional Intelligence: Renée Adams on This Emerging Trend
|
Jun 23, 2021 |
|
New Generation, New Markets: The Evolution of Madame Alexander
|
Jun 14, 2021 |
|
Mia Galison of eeBoo: The Art of Creating Positive Play
|
Jun 03, 2021 |
|
Chris Heatherly On Club Penguin, Roblox, NFTs and How Media is Evolving
|
May 21, 2021 |
|
Maximizing YouTube Advertising: Precise.TV
|
May 12, 2021 |
|
The Power of PANKs: Melanie Notkin of Savvy Auntie
|
May 10, 2021 |
|
Take 10: Potential Implications for The Toy Biz from Declining Birthrates
|
May 10, 2021 |
|
The Power of Audio: Drew Vernon of Tonies
|
May 03, 2021 |
|
Fandom, The Big Deal: Julian Montoya of The Noble Collection
|
Apr 23, 2021 |
|
Looking Back. Looking Ahead. Celebrating Two Years of The Playground Podcast
|
Apr 16, 2021 |
|
Running the Game: A Conversation with Filip Franke of Ravensburger
|
Apr 08, 2021 |
|
Getting Your Mojo On: A Conversation with Billy Langsworthy, founder Mojo Nation
|
Apr 01, 2021 |
|
Toikido Set To Launch: A Conversation with Founder Darran Garnham
|
Mar 24, 2021 |
|
Toy Trends in China: A Conversation with John Tong & Jacqueline Vong
|
Mar 17, 2021 |
|
Integrated Retail: Canada's Indigo Excels in Toys
|
Mar 08, 2021 |
|
Trends in Play, Pandemic & Beyond: David Kleeman
|
Mar 01, 2021 |
|
Insights for Inventors and E-Commerce Marketers: Zack Pentecost of Zuru
|
Feb 22, 2021 |
|
Listening & Understanding Kids Helps Build Brands: Joel Silverman
|
Feb 16, 2021 |
|
Technology, Media & Play: Gregg Stein, CEO of Skoog Media
|
Feb 08, 2021 |
|
Behind the Scenes of a Streaming Series: Brian Volk-Weiss
|
Feb 01, 2021 |
|
Chatting with "The Toyologist," Peter Jenkinson
|
Jan 25, 2021 |
|
Dimian: A Family Company in the European Market
|
Jan 18, 2021 |
|
Just Play: Co-Presidents Charlie Emby and Geoffrey Greenberg Talk Trends & 10 Years in Business
|
Jan 11, 2021 |
|
Maximizing Digital Marketing: Cheyn Crangle of Margle Media
|
Jan 04, 2021 |
|
2021--Preview of the Year Ahead, Part 2
|
Dec 28, 2020 |
|
2020 -- Year in Review, Part 1
|
Dec 28, 2020 |
|
Supply Chain Deep Dive: Gene Seroka of the Port of Los Angeles
|
Dec 21, 2020 |
|
Take 10: What's Behind Rising Costs in China?
|
Dec 14, 2020 |
|
Geoff Walker: The CEO of KidKraft on Innovation & Passion for Toy Making
|
Dec 14, 2020 |
|
Trends, Insights & Powerful Research: Nick Richardson
|
Dec 07, 2020 |
|
Take 10: Independent Toy Stores & the Pandemic
|
Nov 23, 2020 |
|
Gerrick Johnson: Inside The Analyst's Process
|
Nov 23, 2020 |
|
Jim McCafferty of JMP Creative: Talking Invention at the Magic Workshop
|
Nov 16, 2020 |
|
David and Goliath: Mr. Norman on How You Play the Game
|
Nov 09, 2020 |
|
Crazy Aaron and an Empire Built on Putty
|
Nov 02, 2020 |
|
Kim Culmone: The Ultimate Designing Woman for Barbie and Mattel
|
Oct 26, 2020 |
|
Take 10: Hong Kong, Shenzhen and What Changes Mean for the Toy Biz
|
Oct 20, 2020 |
|
The Toy Hall of Fame: Chris Bensch of the Strong Museum
|
Oct 19, 2020 |
|
Take 10: No Schoolyard Play & Implications for Toys: The Conversation
|
Oct 12, 2020 |
|
Richard Dickson, President & COO, Mattel: Insights on Play, Products and the Corporation
|
Oct 12, 2020 |
|
Alan Dorfman of Super Impulse: Building a Big Business on Tiny Toys
|
Oct 06, 2020 |
|
Richard North CEO of Wow Stuff" Innovation, Licensing and Thriving in the Pandemic World
|
Sep 28, 2020 |
|
Alex Tongue: CEO of Vango Toys. Entrepreneurship, Innovation & the Power of Social Media
|
Sep 21, 2020 |
|
Chris Down, CDO Mattel on the Strategies of a Design-Led Company & More
|
Sep 14, 2020 |
|
Ken Lewis: An Industry Veteran Talks about the Past, Present and Future of the Toy Industry
|
Sep 08, 2020 |
|
Jo Hall, CCO, Toys "R" Us Asia: An Inside Look at a Merchandising Powerhouse
|
Aug 31, 2020 |
|
Mastermind Toys New CEO Sarah Jordan: On Leadership, Innovation, Service and Excellence
|
Aug 24, 2020 |
|
Ronnie Frankowski, CMO Moose Toys: Innovation, Insight and Coping with Covid from Down Under
|
Aug 17, 2020 |
|
Dr. Lisa Willams: The Fresh (Dolls) Interview & her Incredible Journey from Academia to Walmart
|
Aug 10, 2020 |
|
ASTRA Goes Virtual: The Association Deals with COVID-19
|
Jul 31, 2020 |
|
Anatomy of a Mega-Hit: The Story of Zuru's Rainbocorns
|
Jul 27, 2020 |
|
From Kitchen Table to Hit Product: The Eggmazing Story, A Classic Toy Tale
|
Jul 20, 2020 |
|
Playing with PlayMonster: A Conversation with Bob Wann & Tim Kilpin
|
Jul 13, 2020 |
|
Diversity & Inclusion: Understanding The Need and Implementing Programs
|
Jul 03, 2020 |
|
Catching Up with WIT: Janice Ross & Mary Kay Russell
|
Jun 26, 2020 |
|
Bryan Stockton, Former CEO of Mattel, on The Past, Present and Future of Toys
|
Jun 19, 2020 |
|
Current Issues in the Dynamic Toy Industry: A Conversation with James Zahn
|
Jun 13, 2020 |
|
Toy Fair, Licensing and What's Going on with Hong Kong: A Conversation with Jay Foreman, Part 2
|
Jun 05, 2020 |
|
Coronavirus, Bankruptcies and Challenges in the Toy Industry 2020--A Conversation with Jay Foreman, Part 1
|
Jun 05, 2020 |
|
The Story of Pictionary: A Conversation with Game Inventor Rob Angel
|
May 28, 2020 |
|
Mattel During COVID-19: A Conversation with Steve Totzke, Mattel CCO
|
May 21, 2020 |
|
Music, Play and More--Josh Shriber of Jammin With You
|
May 15, 2020 |
|
Robots, Electronics and Toys--A Conversation with Davin Sufer of WowWee Toys
|
May 07, 2020 |
|
University Games: Bob Moog on the Company's History and the Future of Games, Retail and Engagement
|
Apr 28, 2020 |
|
Inside the Strong Museum of Play, A Conversation with Head Curator Chris Bensch
|
Apr 21, 2020 |
|
Inside The Learning Journey : From World Book to World Class (24 minutes)
|
Apr 13, 2020 |
|
Patents, Trademarks & Protecting Your IP, Part 2 (22 minutes)
|
Apr 08, 2020 |
|
Patents, Trademarks & Protecting Your IP, Part 1 (33 minutes)
|
Apr 08, 2020 |
|
Coronavirus Toy Industry Update with Steve Pasierb, CEO of The Toy Association (20 minutes)
|
Apr 01, 2020 |
|
Current Toy Issues: Coronavirus, Plastics and Predictions
|
Mar 30, 2020 |
|
Arnie Rubin: A Look Back, A Look at Current Issues & His Secret of Long-Term Success
|
Mar 21, 2020 |
|
Transmedia Storytelling: What You Need to Know for IP & Licensing
|
Mar 03, 2020 |
|
Toy Fair New York 2020: Past, Present and Predictions
|
Feb 20, 2020 |
|
A Groundbreaking New Platform for Inventory Management: Alloy.ai's Matt Hansen
|
Feb 18, 2020 |
|
Nuremberg 2020: Wrap-Up Trends and Conversations with Hog Wild and Lottie Dolls at Spielwarenmesse
|
Feb 12, 2020 |
|
Nuremberg 2020 Day 3: Overall Trends, German Market Insights And How Exhibitors Can Maximize the Show
|
Feb 02, 2020 |
|
Nuremberg 2020 Day 2: The Value of Toy Fairs, One Company's Sustainable Structure, and Timeless Dolls
|
Jan 31, 2020 |
|
Nuremberg 2020: An Interview with Mark Foster of Playmobil, Strategy, Expansion & More
|
Jan 30, 2020 |
|
Toy Fair New York: What to Expect, What's New...And What's Ahead
|
Jan 23, 2020 |
|
The Decade in Review-Part 2: The Trends
|
Jan 13, 2020 |
|
The Decade in Review-Part 1: The Toys
|
Jan 06, 2020 |
|
Year-End Conversation with Steve Pasierb Part Two
|
Dec 27, 2019 |
|
Year-End Conversation with Steve Pasierb-Part One
|
Dec 27, 2019 |
|
FAO's David Nigli Talks about The Iconic Store and Brand--The Original Experiential Marketer
|
Dec 17, 2019 |
|
A Conversation with Keith Meggs of Far Out Toys
|
Nov 25, 2019 |
|
Barbie, YouTube, Dallas and More: Current Toy Industry Issues
|
Oct 30, 2019 |
|
The Inside Story: Content, Entertainment, Kids & More. A Conversation With the Head Writer of Paw Patrol--Part 2
|
Oct 15, 2019 |
|
The Inside Story: Content, Entertainment, Kids & More. A Conversation With the Head Writer of Paw Patrol--Part 1
|
Oct 15, 2019 |
|
Staying Safe, Avoiding Counterfeits and More for Q4: A Conversation with the Toy Association
|
Oct 02, 2019 |
|
A Conversation with Charles Albert, CEO Creativity, Inc.
|
Sep 24, 2019 |
|
Tariffs, China & The Dynamics of an Uncertain Market: A Conversation with Jay Foreman CEO of Basic Fun
|
Sep 12, 2019 |
|
Industry Check-In: Tariffs, Hong Kong, Entertainment & More
|
Sep 06, 2019 |
|
Innovation, Creativity and Transforming Businesses with Jamie Gallagher
|
Aug 20, 2019 |
|
Live From Sweet Suite, Part 2: More Conversations from the Floor
|
Aug 05, 2019 |
|
Live From Sweet Suite: Conversations with Industry Leaders
|
Jul 31, 2019 |
|
The Changing Entertainment Landscape & What It Means for the Toy Biz
|
Jul 18, 2019 |
|
Toys "R" Us and the Future of Toy Retailing
|
Jul 08, 2019 |
|
Living in "What Is" vs. "What If": A Chat with Lenore Skenazy of Let Grow
|
Jun 26, 2019 |
|
Britain, Brexit & Baulch: A Conversation with John Baulch, Founder and Managing Editor of Toy World
|
Jun 20, 2019 |
|
A Conversation with The Hong Kong Trade Development council
|
Jun 11, 2019 |
|
Licensing in 2019: A Conversation with Maura Regan, President Licensing International Part 2
|
Jun 03, 2019 |
|
Licensing in 2019: A Conversation with Maura Regan, President Licensing International Part 1
|
Jun 03, 2019 |
|
Tariffs: Implications & Predictions. A Conversation with the Toy Association
|
May 22, 2019 |
|
A Conversation with Tech Expert Robin Raskin - Part 2
|
May 15, 2019 |
|
A Conversation with Tech Expert Robin Raskin - Part 1
|
May 15, 2019 |
|
Stem Toys Substantive Learning...Or Marketing Tool?
|
May 08, 2019 |
|
Talking About the China Toy Market (and more) From the Guangzhou Toy & Edu Fair
|
May 01, 2019 |
|
Toy Fair & 2019 Trends, Continued
|
Apr 26, 2019 |
|
2019 Trends & Toy Fair Wrap-Up
|
Apr 22, 2019 |
|
Introduction to The Playground! Come play with us!
|
Apr 22, 2019 |