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The Toy Podcast

The Toy Podcast

By Thokozane Maloka & Benjamin Vega

Two guys with a deep passion for toys, games, and the toy industry come together to explore different topics relating to the toy industry as a whole. Almost everyone has owned a toy but very few people know the stories behind them, well, we’re here to explore them.
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Episode Thirty Eight: Movie Reviews - Renfield, Dungeons & Dragons, Tetris.

The Toy PodcastJun 12, 2023

00:00
40:22
Episode Thirty Eight: Movie Reviews - Renfield, Dungeons & Dragons, Tetris.

Episode Thirty Eight: Movie Reviews - Renfield, Dungeons & Dragons, Tetris.

We take a look and break down recent movies that are based on toys, games, and the beautiful art of story telling.

Jun 12, 202340:22
Episode Thirty Seven: Ten Highly Anticipated Movies Based on Toy Brands - 2023

Episode Thirty Seven: Ten Highly Anticipated Movies Based on Toy Brands - 2023

We explore a list of movies based on toy brands to be released in 2023.

Apr 30, 202301:10:13
Episode Thirty Six: Educational games for kids.

Episode Thirty Six: Educational games for kids.

Children learn best through play, and on this episode we share some of the games that are good for children to learn that prepares them for school.

Jan 23, 202341:38
Episode Thirty Five: Price versus Value - Guide to buying toys.

Episode Thirty Five: Price versus Value - Guide to buying toys.

Price does not always equal value, and vice versa. We explore ways in which you can measure the value of a toy versus the price.

Dec 10, 202249:35
Episode Thirty Four: The impact of toys on career choices.

Episode Thirty Four: The impact of toys on career choices.

Can toys have an influence on how children choose future careers?

Nov 10, 202230:56
Episode Thirty Three: Gamification - Pros and Cons.

Episode Thirty Three: Gamification - Pros and Cons.

We explore the idea of gamification and the principles behind it.

Nov 04, 202237:26
Episode Thirty Two - Catch up session with Benjamin.

Episode Thirty Two - Catch up session with Benjamin.

Catch up session with Benjamin Vega since he's been gone for a month, visiting parents in the US. He's on the chair and shares his recent anecdotes.

Oct 09, 202255:51
Episode Thirty One: Super Sema, Global Toy Trends 2022, Handheld gaming.

Episode Thirty One: Super Sema, Global Toy Trends 2022, Handheld gaming.

We chat about the new African superhero, Super Sema and the importance of representation in storytelling. Also, we look at global toy trends and where the toy industry is headed. We also discuss the future of handheld games.

Aug 18, 202246:23
Episode Thirty: Must-have board games for families in 2022.

Episode Thirty: Must-have board games for families in 2022.

We explore a list of some of the most popular board games that families can enjoy together.

Aug 11, 202235:16
Episode Twenty Nine: Board Game Nominees & Winners (2022)

Episode Twenty Nine: Board Game Nominees & Winners (2022)

We explore board games that are currently the favourites in Germany, from the most popular, the most complicated, and the ones enjoyed by kids.

Aug 06, 202229:05
Episode Twenty Eight: The Biggest Toy Brands (Part Two)

Episode Twenty Eight: The Biggest Toy Brands (Part Two)

The conversation continues…
Aug 02, 202239:52
Episode Twenty Seven: The Biggest Toy Brands of 2021/2022 (Part One)

Episode Twenty Seven: The Biggest Toy Brands of 2021/2022 (Part One)

We cover a list of toy brands that have performed well during the pandemic.
Jul 18, 202235:49
Episode Twenty Six: The art of storytelling - Grand Theft Auto versus Red Dead Redemption.

Episode Twenty Six: The art of storytelling - Grand Theft Auto versus Red Dead Redemption.

We discuss the art of storytelling in video gaming. We zoom in on one of the most popular video game publishers, Rockstar Games. Two of the most popular games from their extensive catalogue, Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto is the subject matter. We explore the wins, loses, and the controversies around GTA, and the power that comes with creating great video games. 

Jul 07, 202230:52
Episode Twenty Five: The most anticipated 50 board games of 2022

Episode Twenty Five: The most anticipated 50 board games of 2022

We explore a list of the most anticipated board games of 2022. These includes board games designed for every topic and subject under the sun, from printing press to managing a zoo. These are board games created with one thing in mind, to ensure nobody is left behind in the tabletop gaming world. Tune in to find out more...

Jul 01, 202255:02
Episode Twenty Four: Video Game Consoles vs Handheld Games

Episode Twenty Four: Video Game Consoles vs Handheld Games

We explore the advances made in the video gaming space, video game consoles versus handheld gaming devices. From the first generation of video game consoles when DOS was a big thing, to 3D, to the latest video games consoles in the eight generation.

Jun 23, 202254:19
Episode Twenty Three: Best Toys for 2022... so far!

Episode Twenty Three: Best Toys for 2022... so far!

We share notes, and sentiments, from the experts on the best toys for 2022 based on current trends and predictions.

Jun 17, 202251:13
Episode Twenty Two: Mobile Gaming (Part Two)

Episode Twenty Two: Mobile Gaming (Part Two)

We continue the conversation on mobile gaming, this time exploring gaming apps we found interesting, the ones we play, and the ones generating the biggest revenue globally.

Jun 09, 202229:55
Episode Twenty One: Mobile Gaming (Part One)

Episode Twenty One: Mobile Gaming (Part One)

A light-hearted conversation on mobile gaming, from handheld games, to mobile apps. Also, we discuss the role Nintendo played in advancing mobile gaming at large.

Jun 03, 202233:01
Episode Twenty - The Evolution of Play.

Episode Twenty - The Evolution of Play.

We explore the evolution of play from bones, sticks and stones, to dolls, to action figures, to educational toys, to computer games, and take a peep at what the future of play might look like going forward. 

May 26, 202253:30
Episode Nineteen - Are these the greatest toys ever made?

Episode Nineteen - Are these the greatest toys ever made?

We take you back to the early 1920s with the introduction of toys that had an impact in society back then, and still do. We also explore the list of toys defined as the greatest according to Time magazine. From 1920 to 2000s. The list is not cast in stone, tune in, and have your say...

May 21, 202201:16:31
Episode Eighteen: Tabletop Gaming, from easiest to hardest games around.

Episode Eighteen: Tabletop Gaming, from easiest to hardest games around.

We explore tabletop gaming and discuss boardgames, from the easiest ones that you can enjoy with kids to the hardest ones that require a few hours to complete.

May 12, 202201:06:26
Episode Seventeen: Board Games - The Past, The Present, and levels to them.

Episode Seventeen: Board Games - The Past, The Present, and levels to them.

On this episode we explore the fascinating world of tabletop gaming, the oldest board games and the best ones in recent years. 

May 08, 202239:29
Episode Sixteen - The Hello Kitty brand.

Episode Sixteen - The Hello Kitty brand.

When Shintaro Tsuji witnessed the popular of Barbie, he wanted to have the same success with a toy brand from Japan. Little did he know he would strike gold with Hello Kitty. This toy resonated with millions across the world, and spawned a brand that would permeate all facets of society, from fashion, to restaurants, to accessories, to toys, as well as politics. Hello Kitty is a culture steward. Listen in for more mind-blowing facts about this brand.

May 05, 202237:17
Episode Fifteen - Dungeons and Dragons, not your average game.

Episode Fifteen - Dungeons and Dragons, not your average game.

On this episode, we explore one of the oldest board games - Dungeons and Dragons, the people behind it. The game started off as a booklet, then changed to board game, and has now gone digital, but the soul of the game remains, as well as its millions of fans. Tune in to find out what made it so successful when other board games disappear into oblivion.

Apr 30, 202239:56
Episode Fourteen - Toys Hall of Fame Inductees.

Episode Fourteen - Toys Hall of Fame Inductees.

On this episode we explore the list of inductees on the Toys Hall of Fame.

Apr 25, 202201:34:03
Episode Thirteen — The Legendary Eddy Goldfarb, still inventing toys at 100 years.

Episode Thirteen — The Legendary Eddy Goldfarb, still inventing toys at 100 years.

We explore the life of the legendary Eddy Goldfarb, who’s still making toys at 100. We discuss some of his inventions as well.
Apr 20, 202241:32
Episode Twelve: Batman, Toy Industry, Hall of Famers, Board Games, Inventions.

Episode Twelve: Batman, Toy Industry, Hall of Famers, Board Games, Inventions.

We discuss all things pertaining to the toy industry, superheroes, simple toys that made the hall of fame list, games kids played during world major events.
Mar 22, 202254:34
Episode Eleven: Indoor Games for Kids.

Episode Eleven: Indoor Games for Kids.

On this episode, we explore the creative side of kids and parents in creating their own games which will be played at home. They vary from indoor hopscotch to treasure hunts. Less cost, more fun before schools open.
Dec 31, 202124:43
Episode Ten: The Most Popular Christmas Toys (1977 to 2021)

Episode Ten: The Most Popular Christmas Toys (1977 to 2021)

We explore a list of toys that were popular during Christmas over the past years since 1977 to date.
Dec 19, 202101:05:04
Episode Nine - Toys That Were Banned: Part Two

Episode Nine - Toys That Were Banned: Part Two

We continue the conversation on toys that were recalled, discontinued, or banned due to the danger they imposed to both kids and adults.
Dec 12, 202141:03
Toys That Were Banned - Part One

Toys That Were Banned - Part One

On this episode we talk about toys that got banned through lawsuits because of how dangerous they were and how they resulted in many injuries of all sorts.
Nov 28, 202145:11
Episode Seven — Sandbox Games.

Episode Seven — Sandbox Games.

On this episode, we explore the fascinating, and often confusing, world of sandbox games. What they are, the people behind them, and what makes them so popular.
Nov 08, 202153:45
Episode Six - Toy inventors that changed the game and influenced pop culture.

Episode Six - Toy inventors that changed the game and influenced pop culture.

We explore toy inventors that changed the toy industry, including those that changed the business narrative of the toy industry as a whole. This episode was inspired by Reuben Klamer who recently passed away. He made the Game of Life board game popular a century after its initial invention, and he also invented the plastic hula hoop. We also talk about other inventors from Lonnie Johnson to Erno Rubik.

Oct 03, 202148:48
Episode Five — Board Games with Controversial History.

Episode Five — Board Games with Controversial History.

On this episode, we explore some of the board games we play to this day that have dark and controversial histories.
Sep 20, 202151:22
Episode Four - Movies Inspired By Toys.

Episode Four - Movies Inspired By Toys.

On this episode, we explore movies that were mainly inspired by toys. The hits and misses. And the ones that became huge successes and went on to establish sustainable franchises.

Sep 13, 202135:52
Episode Three

Episode Three

We talk Board Games.
Sep 05, 202151:04
Episode Two — Should Tabletop Gaming go mainstream? Listen to find out.

Episode Two — Should Tabletop Gaming go mainstream? Listen to find out.

On this episode we explore Tabletop Gaming and discuss the advantages of it going mainstream.
Aug 27, 202149:31
Intro To The Podcast

Intro To The Podcast

Welcome to The Toy Podcast. Meet your hosts, Thokozane Maloka and Benjamin Vega.
Aug 20, 202113:57