Best Nelo Podcasts (2025)

1
Billy Lagor, CEO of Entertainment Earth 27:28

3d ago27:28

27:28

Chris talks to Billy Lagor about his stellar career, today's toy industry, and his role as the CEO of retailer Entertainment Earth. His insights on licenses, properties, successes and social media are a must-listen for anyone in the toy industry.

1
Hong Kong 2025: A Chat with Sophia Chong 27:11

1M ago27:11

27:11

In this episode, Chris talks to Sophia Chong, acting executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, organizers of the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair. Chris & Sophia talk on the opening day of the fair about the show, the role of Toy Fairs in the industry, the growth of the toy business in the region, and the ongoing importance of Hong …

1
Nuremberg Preview: Christian Ulrich of Spielwarenmesse 26:47

2M ago26:47

26:47

As the 2025 Toy Fair season begins, we kick off Season 7 of The Playground Pocast. Chris talks with Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the Executive Board of the Spielwarenmesse about the upcoming Nuremberg show. They talk about the expansion of the show, trends to watch, and more. This is Ulrich's third appearance on The Playground Podcast, and you…

1
2024 In Review: James Zahn, John Baulch & Chris 48:20

2M ago48:20

48:20

Listen in to our sixth annual conversation about the year just past...and what may be brewing on the horizon. James Zahn of The Toy Book and Toy Insider and John Baulch of Toy World UK sit down with Chris for a wide ranging conversation about what's up in the toy biz. This is one of our most-listened-to episodes of the year, and we know you'll be e…

1
A Licensing "Wow:" Nicole Blake & Andy Quartin 29:44

3M ago29:44

29:44

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…

1
AI and Toys: Nelo Lucich of Skyrocket Toys 25:09

4M ago25:09

25:09

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, T…

1
Purposeful Play & Learning Design: Dr. Ben Miller 29:32

4M ago29:32

29:32

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 practi…

1
Jay Foreman: China & The Toy Biz 2024 35:50

5M ago35:50

35:50

In this episode, Jay Foreman, CEO Basic Fun makes his fifth visit to The Playground Podcast. This is one of our most important and timely episodes to date as Jay and Chris discuss the current state of China, the reality of doing business, and the implications for our business if threatened economic developments occur. Jay is his usual frank self wi…

1
Making Fun: Barry and Jason 31:31

6M ago31:31

31:31

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.…

1
Alex Taylor & Hot Wheels: A Passion for Performance 23:58

6M ago23:58

23:58

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 …

1
Josh Garrett: Readyland and Revolutionizing Play with Tech 27:38

7M ago27:38

27:38

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 …

1
Matt Nuccio: Design Edge and Its Ongoing Success 30:16

7M ago30:16

30:16

In this episode, Chris talks to Matt Nuccio, president of Design Edge. This full-service design, production, and marketing agency over its long history has been involved in groundbreaking innovation. From Tickle Me Elmo to POGS, to, yes, a very successful stick; the team has guided inventors and companies to exceptional successes. Matt talks about …

1
Greg Ahearn: The Toy Assocation Today & In the Future 30:51

8M ago30:51

30:51

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.…

1
Making a Hit: Jeffrey Breslow and Frank Adler 20:48

8M ago20:48

20:48

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 compa…

1
Denis Crushell: Maximizing Your Digital Strategy 31:45

10M ago31:45

31:45

Chris talks to Denis Crushell, chief commercial officer of London-Based Precise TV about his company, the power of contextual advertising for the current toy industry, and how to set your digital strategy to reach kids successfully.

1
Dan Klitsner--Invention, Narrative & Fun! 25:48

10M ago25:48

25:48

Chris talks to veteran inventor Dan Klitsner about his new toy Sling-It. Dan was the genius behind Bop-It, but with this new venture, he's decided to manufacture and market under his own company. It's a wild toy, with an even wilder story. (We love wild stories.) Listen in, as he talks about development, manufacturing, and strategy for launch in th…

1
The Toy Foundation: Pam Mastrota 18:18

10M ago18:18

18:18

There is a lot happening at the Toy Foundation! Near and dear to our heart is the new entrepreneurship program honoring Richard Gottlieb, but that's just part of it. Listen in as Chris talks to Pam Mastroka, executive director of the foundation about all the excitement...and your opportunities to get involved.…

1
Sharon John: Build-A-Bear's Strategy for Success 34:52

11M ago34:52

34:52

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 talk…

1
Thomas Deumier of Cloud B: Sleeping Your Way to Success 25:45

11M ago25:45

25:45

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.…

1
California, NYC & What's Ahead: Andy Keimach of the Toy Association 24:40

12M ago24:40

24:40

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.…

1
Radical Play: How Toys & Culture Changed in the 60s and 70s 41:45

1y ago41:45

41:45

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 …

1
The Hong Kong Toy Fair, Perspectives on Barbie 31:09

1y ago31:09

31:09

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…

1
Year End 2023: James Zahn & John Baulch 43:59

1y ago43:59

43:59

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 …

1
How Innovation Defines a Company: Joost Poulus of Moose 26:24

1y ago26:24

26:24

In this conversation, Chris talks with Joost Poulus, chief product officer for Moose toys. They talk about Joost's 20-plus year career with Moose, building a culture that supports innovation and the company's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) for the future. In a time when "innovation" can merely be a buzzword, Moose is one of the first companies to …

1
Towards More Effective Communication: Matt Abrahams 32:32

1+ y ago32:32

32:32

Listen in on this great conversation as Chris talks to Matt Abrahams, author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Abrahams discusses the book and how people can be more effective communicators, whether as managers, colleagues...or pitching a product. Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, pod…

1
Remembering Richard Gottlieb 9:57

1+ y ago9:57

9:57

Richard Gottlieb's death on October 26 from ALS was a blow for the people who knew and loved him, the toy industry, and, of course, this podcast. In this short segment, Chris remembers and honors Richard and all his contributions, his amazing spirit and kindness, and much more. We also talk a bit about continuing this show both to serve the industr…

1
John Tong: Hong Kong, Opportunities and the Future 13:29

1+ y ago13:29

13:29

Chris talks to John Tong, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Toys Advisory committee. (Just one element of his diverse career.) They talk about Toy Fairs, opportunities in Hong Kong and how Hong Kong is coming back as a business center and gateway to Asia coming out of the pandemic. The conversation was recorded at New York Toy Fai…

1
A Change in the Era: A Chat with Litzky PR 32:40

1+ y ago32:40

32:40

Richard and Chris talk with Michele Litzky and Josslynne Welch about the history of Litzky Public Relations, the evolution of PR over the past quarter century, and the transition as Josslynne takes over the reins of the company. It's a great conversation about toy industry history, succession planning, and much more. Listen in as we talk to two maj…

1
Mary Couzin: Creating Community in the Toy Biz 24:34

1+ y ago24:34

24:34

Chris and Richard talk to Mary Couzin about her career, the creation of People of Play, the upcoming 21st edition of the Chicago Toys & Games Fair, and the Young Inventors Challenge. It's an energetic conversation, and you'll see why from her passion for play and the business to all she does why she's joining the Toy Industry Hall of Fame this year…

1
Eric Poses: 25 Years of Winning 22:14

1+ y ago22:14

22:14

Chris talked with Eric Poses of All Things Equal Games about the 25th Anniversary of Leading Questions and his repeat of the cross-country car trip he did to launch the game in 1997. We caught up with him just as he was leaving. for 22 cities, with a stop at New York Toy Fair.

1
Gaming the Industry: Elan Lee of Exploding Kittens 38:07

1+ y ago38:07

38:07

Richard and Chris talk with game inventor Elan Lee about his hugely successful game Exploding Kittens, developing great games, and his new line of Kitten Games, which Elan developed with his 4-year-old daughter. This high-energy conversation will have you thinking about what makes a good game in the current market. Elan is also hugely entertaining …

1
Innovation & The Playful Life: Brendan Boyle 27:13

1+ y ago27:13

27:13

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.…

1
Toy Zone: Alex Prieto, Director of Fun on The Company, The Future of Play...And More 20:39

1+ y ago20:39

20:39

Chris and Richard talk to Alex Prieto, who calls himself director of fun for Toy. Zone. Of course, he does much more than that. Listen in as the wide-ranging conversation covers current issues, running a global company, AI, and what may be ahead for this company as we come out of the pandemic. Toy Zone defines itself as a 360° Toy & Entertainment A…

1
Tik Tok, Innovation, and a Millennial-run Company: Jessica Kalichman of WowWee 27:42

1+ y ago27:42

27:42

Chris and Richard, with Richard on the keys, have a conversation with Jessica Kalichman, director of marketing for WowWee about her career, the company's use of Tik Tok both to market and create community. They talk about why it works, what social media reveals, how a company run by Milliennials is different, and how engaging consumers with the rea…

1
AI, Invention & More Dan Klitsner, Inventor of Bop-It 29:44

2y ago29:44

29:44

Join Richard (on the keys) and Chris as they talk with inventor Dan Klitsner, creator of Bop-It about his newest puzzle Free Fall from ThinkFun. They talk about this new innovation, the challenges and rewards of inventing and delve into the topic of AI and what it might mean for creatives and everyone in the toy business. You wont' want to miss thi…

1
Madame Alexander Turns 100! A Chat with David Morgenstern 23:05

2y ago23:05

23:05

We kick of season five of The Playground Podcast with Madame Alexander's VP of sales, David Morgenstern. Richard, Chris, and guest host Chris Bensch from The Strong Museum of Play chat about this history, the legend, and what's new for the next chapter in the life of this iconic brand.

1
Report from Hong Kong: Direct from the Toys & Games Fair 26:03

2y ago26:03

26:03

Chris was back in Hong Kong for the 49th annual Toys & Games Fair… for the first time since 2020. Listen to what’s going on at the Fair—and hear the folks who are making the most of this transitional edition. The Playground is sponsored by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, Beacon Media Group and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.…

1
Getting Ready for Nuremberg: Christian Ulrich of Spielwarenmesse 18:13

2y ago18:13

18:13

Richard and Chris talk to Christian Ulrich from Spielwarenmesse about the upcoming Nuremberg Show. What’s new, what to expect, and the general excitement of gathering once again at the world’s largest Toy Fair. The Playground Podcast is supported by Global Toy Experts, The Toy Guy, Beacon Media Group, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.…

1
2022 In Review: Our 4th Annual Discussion 39:49

2y ago39:49

39:49

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 su…

1
Slaying Social Media: Josh Loerzel & Sky Castle Toys 34:07

2y ago34:07

34:07

Richard and Chris talk to Josh Loerzel of Sky Castle Toys about his career and his ongoing success in using social media to create hits. From his early days at Zing where he made a monster hit out of Stikbot, Josh talks about how he did it and the three important elements of building a social media strategy. Moreover, how has social media changed t…

1
100 Years of Fun: Jim & Donna Pressman on Their New Book 26:03

2y ago26:03

26:03

Richard and Chris talk with Jim and Donna Pressman about their new book, A Century of American Toys & Games: The Story of Pressman. They talk about the company's colorful history over the past century. It was a labor of love, and it's an important book for anyone who loves toys...the process all started with an elephant. After you listen, you'll wa…

1
Price Protection in a Competitive Environment: Ron Solomon of Mapptrap 24:16

2+ y ago24:16

24:16

Richard and Chris talk to Ron Solomon, creator and CEO of MAPPTrap, an online software service that allows manufacturers to monitor compliance with minimum advertised pricing policies across all distribution channels (even ones they may not know about.) They discuss how it works, why it's important, and why the "race to the bottom" on pricing hurts…

1
Isaac Larian: The Interview. Building a Life and a Business with a Passion for Play 36:12

2+ y ago36:12

36:12

Richard and Chris talk to Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA. From his earliest days to having unprecedented success in the industry, Isaac talks about his vision, how he's built the company, worked with his team, and what the toy industry means to him. In this exclusive conversation, Isaac shares what it takes to make it in the toy industry, how…

1
ASTRA: Toy Boats and the State of Specialty 30:07

2+ y ago30:07

30:07

Richard and Chris talk to Sue Warfield, president of ASTRA and board members Tom Rushton and Cassidy Smith about ASTRA's Toy Boat next February. Find out why this actually is a great opportunity to cost-effectively reach the specialty trade. Also, they talk about the state of specialty, particularly coming out of COVID, what specialty means today a…

1
More than a Blip: Building a Business on Classic Play 29:32

2+ y ago29:32

29:32

Richard and Chris talk to Bill Nichols and Peter Cmiel co-presidents of Blip Toys about their careers, their strategies, the benefits and challenges of just being a "Blip" on the radar of the toy industry (despite major successes) and how they manage to keep the company lean, creative, and successful. Plus, they chat about Chris's favorite active p…

1
Update on Toy Fairs: Kim Carcone of the Toy Association 25:50

2+ y ago25:50

25:50

Richard and Chris have a lively chat with Kim Carcone, EVP of the Toy Association about the current state of Toy Fair, the upcoming Dallas show, what's ahead for 2023, and new initiatives to make the show more useful and relevant than ever.

1
Validating STEM & STEAM: A Chat with The Good Play Guide 29:44

2+ y ago29:44

29:44

Amanda Gummer and Frances Cain from The Good Play Guide talk with Richard and Chris about their scientifically based accreditation program for evaluating toys for their potential to support STEM and STEAM learning. Beyond marketing buzzwords, this insightful conversation talks about the value of play, its role in learning...and why fun is an essent…

1
Didier Pietri, CEO of Luki Lab & Strottman 32:52

2+ y ago32:52

32:52

Chris and Richard talk to Didier Pietri about how he built a toy business from a business-to-business operation, their entry into the market, how they’ve developed unique products, and marketing. From creating their own animation studio, to managing current supply chain issues, to the decision to sell exclusively direct-to-consumer; Pietri talks ab…

1
Showcase Comes to the U.S.: Samir Kulkarni, CEO 35:08

2+ y ago35:08

35:08

After a successful 10-store pilot, the Canadian trend retailer Showcase is coming to the U.S., and that is big news for the toy industry. Richard and Chris talk to the retailer's CEO Samir Kulkarni about the store, their growth, their U.S. strategy and the unique and powerful combination of high tech systems and a deep understanding of trends to cr…

1
Jeffrey Breslow: A Gamemaker's Life 34:03

2+ y ago34:03

34:03

Richard and Chris talk with Toy Industry Hall of Fame designer Jeffrey Breslow about his career, his time with Marvin Glass and associates, the inspirations and tragedies that shaped his career. "Brez," as he's known, entered the toy industry when he was hired by Glass on the spot and spent the next 41 years developing games, and ultimately leading…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Nelo Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide