174 episodes
The Playground Podcast Chris Byrne
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- Kids & Family
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4.8 • 13 Ratings
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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.
Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support
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Sharon John: Build-A-Bear's Strategy for Success
Build-A-Bear CEO Sharon John has driven the evolution of Build-A-Bear from a vertical retailer to a global toy company with legions of followers. And as she says, it was built, "One heart ceremony at a time."
But it's the savvy combination of data and heart that have make this company the iconic success it is today. In our conversation, Sharon talks about the company's growth and why it's so much more than bears (and bunnies and hedgehogs.)
And be sure to check out Sharon's book: Stories and Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love. You can get it here.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support -
Thomas Deumier of Cloud B: Sleeping Your Way to Success
For 22 years, Cloud B has been an innovator in bedtime products--adding fun, health and peace of mind to the nursery and the bedroom for both kids and parents.
In this episode, we talk to Thomas Deumier, CEO of PJ Distribution, parent company of Cloud B about innovation, building on what works, and staying the leader in a niche market.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support -
California, NYC & What's Ahead: Andy Keimach of the Toy Association
There are big changes ahead for the Toy Association. After months of work and listening, there's news about LA in the Fall (and Spring), New York, ongoing advocacy and much more.
Andy Keimach, interim president and CEO of the Toy Association gives us the scoop on what's happening...and it's good news.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support -
Radical Play: How Toys & Culture Changed in the 60s and 70s
In this episode, Chris talks to author and historian Rob Goldberg about his fascinating book Radical Play. It's a look at the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s and how those challenged and changed the toy industry–and the ways in which the industry responded.
We cover the major issues of the era–war toys and guns, race and gender–and look at the ways the world and by extension playthings changed.
It's a lively and informative conversation. Listen in.
And you can buy Rob's book here.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support -
The Hong Kong Toy Fair, Perspectives on Barbie
In this episode, Chris talks with Sophia Chong on site at the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair about the 50th Edition of the show, the value of toy fairs, and a vision for the show as an essential gateway to the Asian markets.
This episode brings back The Endcap, and Chris talks about the impact of the Barbie movie, why it could only happen now, and why another movie out now misses the point completely.
The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy News, The Toy Guy, and the https://home.hktdc.com/https://home.hktdc.com/.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support -
Year End 2023: James Zahn & John Baulch
In our fifth annual year-end conversation, Chris is joined by James Zahn of The Toy Book, The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider and John Baulch managing director and publisher of Toy World UK.
Zahn and Baulch are two of the leading industry observers, analysts, and thinkers about the business of play. Their insights are entertaining, thoughtful, and clear-eyed.
Listen in as we talk about innovation, entertainment, inventory, and the year ahead.
The Playgorund Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, managers of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-playground-podcast/support
Customer Reviews
A Window Into the Toy Business
I absolutely love this podcast! Richard, Chris and their guests consistently offer information about recent trends in the toy business while reaching back through history to inform and entertain listeners about the impact that vintage toys and toy pioneers have had over the years.
I especially like learning about different demographics (like the influence of Aunts and Grandparents), as well as recent and upcoming toys, game consoles and entertainment properties.
Love Chris Bryne and so glad to learn about his podcast!
Making my way through all of Richard’s and Chris’ podcasts! Learning so much from their guests and getting huge chuckles from their sense of humor!
Fun and informative
Just listened to the Eggmazing story and found it both entertaining and enlightening (just like the best toys!).
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