The Toy Podcast
By Thokozane Maloka & Benjamin Vega
The Toy PodcastApr 30, 2023
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.
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.
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.
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.
Episode Thirty Four: The impact of toys on career choices.
Can toys have an influence on how children choose future careers?
Episode Thirty Three: Gamification - Pros and Cons.
We explore the idea of gamification and the principles behind it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Episode Twenty Eight: The Biggest Toy Brands (Part Two)
Episode Twenty Seven: The Biggest Toy Brands of 2021/2022 (Part One)
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Episode Fourteen - Toys Hall of Fame Inductees.
On this episode we explore the list of inductees on the Toys Hall of Fame.
Episode Thirteen — The Legendary Eddy Goldfarb, still inventing toys at 100 years.
Episode Twelve: Batman, Toy Industry, Hall of Famers, Board Games, Inventions.
Episode Eleven: Indoor Games for Kids.
Episode Ten: The Most Popular Christmas Toys (1977 to 2021)
Episode Nine - Toys That Were Banned: Part Two
Toys That Were Banned - Part One
Episode Seven — Sandbox Games.
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.
Episode Five — Board Games with Controversial History.
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.