Bästa Toy Industry podcaster (2024)

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#220: Ensure Your Toys Meet Legal Safety Standards or It Can Cost You 30:37

6d ago30:37

30:37

Send us a Text Message. Did you know that even if you're selling a toy product on Etsy, you are required to have it safety tested and certified? In this episode, dive deep into the crucial topic of toy safety and compliance. The first half of the episode focuses on the legal requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the U…

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#219: Why He Went From Mattel to TCA and Launched His Plush Toy 27:44

13d ago27:44

27:44

Send us a Text Message. Q: Could TCA be valuable to you if you already have corporate toy industry experience? A: YES! Perhaps you think that having professional toy industry experience guarantees success in your entrepreneurial ventures. But this episode turns that notion on its head, featuring Gerardo, a former toy industry professional turned to…

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#218: Safe Social Media? The World's Largest Social Network For Kids with Ashley Mady 35:08

19d ago35:08

35:08

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered if there's a social network tailored just for kids where fun meets learning in a safe environment? Yes, you heard that right, and it's called Zigazoo. What if there was a platform where kids could engage, learn, and interact without the usual worries of social media? Or, if there was a social media platform ded…

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#217: How To Make Your Toy Brand Climate Friendly with Helen Townsend 40:52

27d ago40:52

40:52

Send us a Text Message. In the face of a looming climate crisis, can the toy industry lead the charge towards a sustainable future? Well today’s interview guest believes the toy industry has a responsibility to address the environmental impact of our industry. Helen Townsend, co-founder of the B Corp certified toy company Sustained Fun, dives into …

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#216: The Hidden Challenges and Opportunities in Toy Licensing with Anita Castellar 59:31

1M ago59:31

59:31

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered why brands like Barbie have products in unexpected categories? Or, why licensed products often come with a premium price tag? Well, you might just be intrigued by the lesser-known complications and exhilarating opportunities that lie within the licensing labyrinth. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Indust…

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#215: How He Launched an Action Figure Line from Ideation, Marketing, to Retail Placement 31:52

1M ago31:52

31:52

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how a simple idea can transform into a toy that's flying off the shelves? Perhaps you've been toying around with a concept, but the thought of kickstarting it into production leaves you feeling majorly overwhelmed. Well, then today’s episode is the perfect fit for you. Brandon Braswell, founder of 9 to 5 Warrio…

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#214: Everything You Need To Know About MESH Accreditation For Your Toy 43:43

2M ago43:43

43:43

Send us a Text Message. Is your latest toy design capable of teaching kids valuable life skills? Creating a toy that's both a blast to play with and packs a punch in the personal growth department isn't child's play. So, how do you shake things up and make a toy that's not just another shiny object in the toy box but a true game-changer in a kid's …

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#213: From Empath to Entrepreneur with Jana Hallam of Wonderwell Toy Company 27:01

2M ago27:01

27:01

Send us a Text Message. Kids today are facing a kindness crisis. From the playground to the classroom, loneliness and bullying run rampant. But there's hope on the horizon, thanks to one toy designer's mission to spark empathy through play. Meet Jana Hallam, TCA alumni and the visionary founder of Wonderwell Toy Co. In this inspiring episode, Jana …

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#212: Why Your Toy Package Deserves More Than Matte with Anchor Creative 20:18

2M ago20:18

20:18

Send us a Text Message. Are you giving your toy's package the attention and budget it deserves? If your answer isn't an immediate "Heck yes Azhelle, ALWAYS." then it's time to listen to part 2 of of Ivan and Brittany's interview on this podcast. At the top of the episode, Ivan and Brittany share their secret on staying up to date with trends and sp…

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#211: How To Efficiently Communicate Your Toy's Value Through Packaging with Anchor Creative 29:44

2M ago29:44

29:44

Send us a Text Message. Your toy package should be the 24/7 salesman for your toy product. Is your packaging putting in the work? If you have ever wondered how to make your packaging communicate the value of your product, I’ve got a new episode that you just can't miss. As one of our guests today will attest, often toy packaging is an afterthought,…

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#210: An Insider Look at A National Toy Trade Show in Las Vegas 25:41

3M ago25:41

25:41

Send us a Text Message. Have you heard about the Toy Trade Show that happened in Las Vegas? It’s called Toy Fest and I just dropped an episode all about it in case you missed it! In this episode I’m sharing quotes from the diverse range of attendees, breaking down emerging trends and highlighting innovations showcased on the floor and in the showro…

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#209: How Women in the Toy Industry Are Building Dreams and Connections with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn 18:42

3M ago18:42

18:42

Send us a Text Message. Right now you might feel like an outsider in the toy industry. But it’s important to remember that we ALL started out that way. The goal of today’s podcast episode is to show you how you can go from zero connections in the world of toys, to thousands! Yep, thousands. To teach that lesson, I’m bringing you part two of my inte…

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#208: When Motherhood Inspires Toy Invention with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn 25:37

3M ago25:37

25:37

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered what drives the passion behind toy inventors? In this compelling episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we dive deep with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn, the dynamic chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Women in Toys Licensing and Entertainment, and the creative mind behind Little Art. Discover how the quest to…

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#207: The Secrets To Networking in The Toy Industry 33:16

3M ago33:16

33:16

Send us a Text Message. Are you struggling to crack the networking code in the toy industry? Tune in to episode #207 of The Toy Coach Podcast: Making It In The Toy Industry as Azhelle Wade, unveils the secrets behind successful networking. Spoiler? It's easier than you think. The host debunks myths surrounding industry connections and shares invalu…

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#206: How “No” Led This Game Creator To Unexpected Opportunity 29:26

3M ago29:26

29:26

Send us a Text Message. In this special edition of "Making It In The Toy Industry," we follow the journey of Catherine Tenaglia, co-founder of Race to Stupid, as she shares insights into her entrepreneurial venture and the impact of TCA on her business strategy. Catherine reflects on her TCA experience, highlighting the invaluable guidance provided…

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#205: Turning Ideas into Top Sellers with Robert Yusim 26:33

4M ago26:33

26:33

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, we delve into the world of consumer product marketing and licensing with special guest Robert Yusim. We open with a captivating discussion on the value of ideas versus inventions and the crucial steps needed to turn an idea into a marketable product. Robert shares his journey…

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#204: Exploring the Secrets, Surprises, and History of Polly Pocket with Maude Campbell 28:15

4M ago28:15

28:15

Send us a Text Message. Do you remember the original tiny world of Polly Pocket? In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the history, secrets, and surprises behind this iconic toy with Maude Campbell, author of the upcoming book The Legacy of Polly Pocket: Mattel's Micro Moneymaker. Join us as we explore how a simple button inspired inventor Chri…

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#203: How CJ Charles Turned Her Children's Book into a Plush Doll 32:39

4M ago32:39

32:39

Send us a Text Message. Ever wondered how a beloved character from a children's book can leap off the pages and become a real toy? This episode of "Making It in the Toy Industry" reveals the transformative journey of a TCA Alumni who turned a character from their storybook into a cherished 12-inch plush toy. Join Virginia Lette as the host of this …

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#202: Gender Neutral Toy Sections Are Now Law In California 40:48

4M ago40:48

40:48

Send us a Text Message. How does the recent California law mandating gender-neutral toy sections in large retail stores impact the toy industry? This episode takes a deep dive into the nuances of this legislative change and its potential ripple effects on manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. The episode revisits a critical discussion from Octob…

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#201: 12 SMART Goals To Launch Your Toy Idea in 2024 26:41

5M ago26:41

26:41

Send us a Text Message. Are you ready to transform your toy idea into a market-ready product by the end of 2024 but unsure where to start? Then you’ve chosen the perfect episode to dive into! In just 26 minutes, get a month-by-month blueprint, detailing 12 SMART goals to lead you into a soft launch of your toy or game by Q4 of 2024. With guidance f…

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#200: Virginia Lette Interviews Azhelle Wade The Toy Coach 49:17

5M ago49:17

49:17

Send us a Text Message. To celebrate Episode 200 of Making It in The Toy Industry, something special is underway. Joining The Toy Coach, also known as Azhelle Wade, is Virginia Lette, an accomplished Australian radio and television presenter. She is renowned for co-hosting Eclipse Music TV for three years and serving as a Weekend News and Sport Pre…

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#199: Speed Up Your Toy or Game Promotion Process With AI 27:10

5M ago27:10

27:10

Send us a Text Message. How is AI reshaping the toy industry? In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the world of AI and its transformative impact on toy design and creation. Discover how tools like Adobe Firefly, Canva, and Amazon are integrating AI to enhance their services and change the game for how consumers experience products and how pro…

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#198: Speed Up Your Toy or Game Invention Process With AI 30:39

6M ago30:39

30:39

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the toy industry? From speeding up the toy invention process to comparing traditional and AI-assisted methods, AI is transforming how we create and innovate. Dive into this engaging exploration of AI’s role in the toy industry. In this episode, join T…

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#197: How Get Your Products In Stores With A Pitch That Stands Out with Rick Derr 24:08

6M ago24:08

24:08

Send us a Text Message. In Q4 some toy entrepreneurs are feeling FOMO, wishing that they made a bigger push to get into retail for this season. But don’t worry, your next big opportunity for sales is just around the corner. This week's episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone struggling to get their toy or game products noticed by retaile…

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#196: Instant Insights Into The Toy Industry Uncovered at ChiTag Part 2 of 2 37:44

6M ago37:44

37:44

Send us a Text Message. Listen in as The Toy Coach conducts several mini interviews for a deep dive into the heart of toy innovation at CHITAG, part of the People of Play Week and Innovation Conference. Episode 196 offers a unique blend of playful interviews and insightful discussions with industry innovators. In this episode, we feature a dynamic …

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#195: Instant Insights Into The Toy Industry Uncovered at ChiTag Part 1 of 2 32:33

6M ago32:33

32:33

Send us a Text Message. Are you passionate about toy design and eager to learn from the best in the toy industry? This episode of Making It In The Toy Industry takes you inside the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTag), a hub of innovation and creativity in the toy and game industry. Learn tips from show attendees who specialize in toy marketing, toy …

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#194: How To Pick A Toy Brand Name That Doesn't Suck with Alexandra C Watkins 51:32

7M ago51:32

51:32

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, you'll hear an insightful conversation with our guest Alexandra C. Watkins, the creative genius behind naming consultancy Eat My Words and the innovator of iconic names like Wendy's Baconator. Watkins shares her expertise on creating memorable and appealing names for toys and…

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#193: 3 Last-Minute Black Friday Promo Ideas To Increase Q4 Sales 36:09

7M ago36:09

36:09

Send us a Text Message. It's that time of year again, and Black Friday is just around the corner. If you're still finalizing your Black Friday promotions, or you haven’t even started thinking about them yet, stress less! This podcast episode has got you covered with 3 easy to implement, last-minute ideas to boost your holiday sales at this importan…

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#192: The Secret To Mastering 1:1 Email in Your Toy Business 29:45

7M ago29:45

29:45

Send us a Text Message. Are you drowning in emails, struggling to keep up with crucial communications for your toy business? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, we're about to unveil the secret to conquering your email overload and saving sales and opportunities that are sitting unread in your inbox right now! In this episode, The Toy…

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#191: Game-Changing Connections for Toy Inventors at People of Play Week 24:45

7M ago24:45

24:45

Send us a Text Message. Are you "toying" around with an idea for a toy or game that you want to license? Don’t miss the chance to pitch and playtest that idea in 2023 at POP Week. In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade aka The Toy Coach, highlights a beloved toy industry event that is designed to create opportunities for toy…

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#190: The Best and Worst of Toy Fair and Why You Should Attend The LAST Toy Fair in New York 45:39

7M ago45:39

45:39

Send us a Text Message. Want a play by play of what worked at Toy Fair New York, and what didn’t? In this new podcast episode, The Toy Coach breaks down every day of the trade show, including setup days, and provides tips and insights to make your next show experience better. Also, if you haven’t already read it on The Toy Coach Blog, you’ll hear i…

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#189: How To Pitch With Pizzazz at New York Toy Fair with Barry and Jason 49:28

8M ago49:28

49:28

Send us a Text Message. Maya Angelou once said, “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” So tell me this, at your last pitch meeting, how did you make your guest feel? In today’s podcast episode I sat down for a hilarious and informative chat with Barry and Jason. During this cal…

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#188: You're Invited To Hasbro's FIRST Ever Women Innovators of Play Event with Tanya Thompson 24:48

9M ago24:48

24:48

Send us a Text Message. The biggest game company in the world is walking the talk with their first ever Women Innovators of Play Event, and YOU are invited. In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, The Toy Coach sit's down to chat with Tanya Thompson, the Senior Director of Inventor Relations and External Innovation for Hasbro Gaming. With…

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#187: Making Change Through Play with TOTY Nominated Dr. Zabina Bahsin 33:08

9M ago33:08

33:08

Send us a Text Message. Dr. Zabina Bhasin began her journey of understanding the powerful role toys play in shaping a child's identity. As a child psychiatrist, she used her expertise to observe that children were naturally drawn towards toys, books, and crafts. Yet, as a mother, she noticed a distinct gap in the market - there were no multicultura…

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#186: When A Game You Developed Gets Nominated For a Toy Of The Year Award with Christian Castro 19:58

9M ago19:58

19:58

Send us a Text Message. Calling all game people! In this week’s episode, we delve into the captivating world of game development with Christian Castro, Director of Product Development at Relatable. Christian's conversation highlights the story behind "Search Party Chaos at the Park," a first-of-its-kind 3D board game that's been nominated for the p…

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#185: Dolls That Celebrate Asian Diversity with Samantha Ong 51:56

9M ago51:56

51:56

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of the Making It In The Toy Industry, Samantha Ong shares her journey in launching Joeydolls and highlights the importance of representation in the toy industry. Samantha's passion for creating culturally diverse dolls stems from her desire to combat the lack of representation and stereotypes faced by Asian c…

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#184: From Fandom to Fun: The Power of Collaboration in Funko Games' Development Process with Deirdre Cross 40:26

10M ago40:26

40:26

Send us a Text Message. If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged because your games aren't resonating with fans and delivering the powerful and rewarding experiences you envisioned, then you are not alone! You may be investing countless hours in game development, pouring your creativity into every detail, but still not capturing the essence of …

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START HERE: Welcome Future Toy Person! 2:16

10M ago2:16

2:16

Send us a Text Message. Are you ready to dive into the business of toys? Since 2010, I've been in the thick of the toy industry, and now I'm sharing my wisdom and connections with you, right here on the Making It In The Toy Industry podcast. Every week you'll get a mini masterclass on the world of toys by learning about gameplay, connecting with pu…

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#183: How To Pitch A Show Idea To Hasbro in 2023 with Brandon Braswell 59:47

10M ago59:47

59:47

Send us a Text Message. 9 to 5 Warriors, and it's a nineties-inspired toy line that aims to recapture the magic of the Saturday morning cartoon era. The founder o 9 to 5 Warriors, Brandon Braswell, is sharing his experience pitching a show idea and toy line at the TCA Virtual Pitch Event, we'll discuss what he's done with the brand so far, he'll sh…

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#182: The Captivating Timeline Of Barbie: From Ruth Handler To Rebirth (1959-2023) 20:28

10M ago20:28

20:28

Send us a Text Message. Have you ever wondered about the captivating history of Barbie, the world's most iconic doll? Get ready to traverse the captivating timeline of Barbie, the world's most iconic doll. Discover the story behind this revolutionary toy, from the innovative mind of Ruth Handler to its evolution, significance, and controversies. Li…

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#181: Unveiling the Ultimate Barbie Movie Marketing Tactics: Unique Strategies for Viral Success! 35:37

10M ago35:37

35:37

Send us a Text Message. Are you dreaming about Barbie yet? This week we do a deep dive into the marketing that has continually been going viral since April of this year. We explore how the iconic doll brand also became a digital marketing icon by creating trends and making marketing moves that will go down in toy history. Get ready to dive into the…

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#180: Trailblazing Toy Creators Share The Mission and Story Behind Their Brands [2 of 2] 35:38

11M ago35:38

35:38

Send us a Text Message. What happens when you’ve got a great idea for a toy, you have inventory, and you want to break into a major toy show or media event but you just simply don’t have the funds left to make it happen? Well, in the past there wasn’t an option, but now for NEW creators, there is The Toy Coach Showcase. Listen to this Part 2 Episod…

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#179: Trailblazing Toy Creators Share The Mission and Story Behind Their Brands [1 of 2] 40:53

11M ago40:53

40:53

Send us a Text Message. Are you ready for an exciting episode filled with innovation, inspiration, and the untold stories of toy and game creators? Join us as we delve into The Toy Coach Showcase, an extraordinary platform creating a revolutionary entry point for newbies in the industry. Get ready to be inspired as you hear firsthand from the creat…

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#178: Playfully Illustrating Polly Pocket Nostalgia with Amy Greenbank 32:02

11M ago32:02

32:02

Send us a Text Message. Ever since my childhood fascination with Polly Pockets, I've been enamored with toys and video games that allowed me to build worlds of my own. When I came across an announcement of a Polly Pocket book on Instagram, I knew immediately I had to dig deeper and get to know the people behind the book. My first outreach was to Am…

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#177: Reinvigorating a Timeless Brand with Robert Pasin of Radio Flyer 37:36

12M ago37:36

37:36

Send us a Text Message. If someone tells you to close your eyes and picture a red wagon...what's the first thing that pops into your mind? I bet it's probably the classic and iconic Radio Flyer red wagon. In this week’s episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Robert Pasin, the Chief Wagon Officer of Radio F…

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#176: How To Prepare For Your Next Specialty Toy Trade Show 29:54

12M ago29:54

29:54

Send us a Text Message. If you want to get your toy or game product into toy stores, have you considered starting with specialty stores first? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, learn how you can start selling your toys in specialty retailers. If you don’t know what a specialty toy retailer is, don’t worry! This episode has got you c…

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#175: The Impact of Toy Guns: A Tough Conversation 39:13

1y ago39:13

39:13

Send us a Text Message. In this thought-provoking episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade and returning guest Marjorie Spitalnik dive into a sensitive but crucial topic - the impact of toy guns on children and the potential connection to real-life gun violence. Given the alarming statistics of gun violence in the U.S., they expl…

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#174: Market Research Strategies for Developing Good Toys Kids Will Love with Dr. Amanda Gummer 41:53

1y ago41:53

41:53

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Azhelle Wade aka The Toy Coach interviews Dr. Amanda Gummer, psychologist and founder of Good Play Guide, a service that provides independent evaluations and accreditations for children's toys and games. Dr. Gummer talks about the importance of evaluating toys for children's development and shares details ab…

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#173: AI-Powered Toy Design [Part 2 of 2] Building a Million-Dollar Toy Line with the Help of AI 26:52

1y ago26:52

26:52

Send us a Text Message. Are you curious about the potential of AI in the toy industry and how it can revolutionize the way we create and develop products? This eye-opening part 2 podcast episode delves into the power of AI, particularly the new AI called Auto GPT, and its capabilities to generate business plans, toy ideas, and game ideas. Discover …

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#172: AI-Powered Toy Design [Part 1 of 2] Building a Million-Dollar Toy Line with the Help of AI 37:11

1y ago37:11

37:11

Send us a Text Message. Are you curious about how AI can revolutionize the toy industry? Do you want to know how AI can help in designing and marketing a toy product? If so, then this podcast episode is for you. Join The Toy Coach in this insightful episode as she explores the potential of AI in toy design and marketing. In this episode of the Maki…

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