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 dedicated to connecting your brand directly with its target market? Well if either of those possibilities pique your interest, then our latest podcast episode is a must-listen for you!

In this special episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," we're joined by Ashley Mady, the President of Zigazoo, the world's largest kid-focused social network. Ashley helps us dissect the innovative core of Zigazoo, where challenge-based learning is leading a new era of social media. As a kickstart, we delve into how Zigazoo revolutionizes the concept of kid-friendly social media by focusing on project-based challenges rather than passive content consumption. We also unravel surprising aspects of the toy and tech industries and the importance of safe social networking for children. And, if you're curious about getting your kids started on Zigazoo, tune in for a handy walkthrough and engaging discussion about the platform.

Tap that play button and dive into the world of Zigazoo to learn how social media can be a safe and educational place for kids.


Episode Cliff Notes:

• Zigazoo has millions and millions of users, Ashley shares the exact number in this episode.
• Learn how Zigazoo creates a safe environment for kids to engage with social media through moderated interactions and no personal information sharing.
• Discover the unique learning opportunities Zigazoo offers through project-based challenges designed by kid creators and big brands.
• Hear how Zigazoo involves parents in the process of creating a safe and educational platform for their children.
• Find out about Zigazoo’s partnership with major brands like Penguin Publishing and DreamWorks and how that enhances the content and learning experiences available for children.
• Learn what technology Zigazoo uses to ensure the safety and privacy of its young users.
• Curious how Zigazoo stands up to TikTok and Instagram? Find out how Zigazoo manages to keep the platform engaging for kids through virtual rewards and recognition.
• Discover the story behind Zigazoo's founders, former educators Zach and Leah Ringelstein, and what motivated them to start this platform.

Support the Show.

🎓 5 Streamlined Steps To Your Next Playful Product Launch in 1 Interactive Masterclass: learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

💡 The Great Toy and Game Idea Bootcamp: Visualize, Validate, and Vow to make your toy or game idea real in just 5 days. Register here: learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp

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 the critical role that toy companies can play in reducing emissions and increasing environmental education.

Even if your toy company isn’t an eco-first brand, this episode provides a step by step explanation on how you can start calculating and offsetting your carbon emissions. This isn't just about making toys that last; it's about crafting experiences that teach the next generation about sustainability through play. Tune in for a no-holds-barred discussion on using business as a force for good and discover actionable strategies that every toy brand can implement today.

Listen in to find out how Sustained Fun is building climate confidence in children, and how thoughtful toy design and how it can lead to a more sustainable world.

Episode Cliff Notes:

• Learn the basics of offsetting carbon emissions in the toy industry
• Discover how Sustained Fun’s sustainable toy products
• Hear about the inception of World Sustainable Toy Day
• Explore the impact of sustainable packaging design
• Learn about the 2030 calculator for measuring carbon footprint
• Discover the role of certifications in sustainable manufacturing
• Understand the significance of World Sustainable Toy Day

Support the Show.

🎓 5 Streamlined Steps To Your Next Playful Product Launch in 1 Interactive Masterclass: learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

💡 The Great Toy and Game Idea Bootcamp: Visualize, Validate, and Vow to make your toy or game idea real in just 5 days. Register here: learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp

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 Industry, host Azhelle Wade interviews Anita Castellar to unveil the complex dance of toy licensing, where every step—from initial outreach to the final signature—matters immensely. More often than not, it's not just about the big names or flashy trademarks, but also about sustainable strategies and the ever-evolving consumer engagement through social media platforms.

Learn from Anita Castellar a mastermind with over two decades in the toy and licensing space, and the visionary force behind Fangirl Consulting and Brand Management. Anita doesn't just tell it like it is—she's lived it from the merchandise-lined streets of Disney theme parks to the strategic war rooms of Lucasfilm. In our discussion, she drops a golden nugget of wisdom on the true cost of licensing—think hidden fees, product testing demands, and insurance traps that can trip up the unwary manufacturer. And this is just the tip of the iceberg, as the episode pans out to explore why niche properties struggle in a landscape crowded with giants and how influencers and digital tools can propel a brand from obscurity to household fame. If your curiosity is piqued, lean in, because there’s a whole spectrum of lessons to be gobbled up.

Hit play on episode 216 for wit, wisdom, and a walkthrough of the licensing process that won't just educate but might just motivate the next big wave in the toy industry.


Episode Cliff Notes:

• Learn why niche properties and diversity face challenges in the licensing industry and the discrepancy between verbal support and actual opportunities for new brands.
• Find out how Anita's experiences at Disney, Hasbro, and Lucasfilm shaped her understanding of product life cycles and brand longevity.
• Discover the key factors that make a brand attractive for licensing from a manufacturer's perspective, including reach and consumer behaviour.
• Hear about the surprising complexities and potential legal implications of protecting intellectual property in the age of AI-generated content.
• Learn how small intellectual properties can strategically partner with manufacturers to begin their journey in the licensing world.
• Find out Anita Castellar's personal frustration with the lack of support for non-major brands and the challenges she faced while negotiating licensing agreements.
• And finally, discover the growing importance of digital elements, like AR/VR and AI, in the future landscape of toy licensing and what this could mean for the industry.

Support the Show.

🎓 5 Streamlined Steps To Your Next Playful Product Launch in 1 Interactive Masterclass: learn.thetoycoach.com/masterclass

💡 The Great Toy and Game Idea Bootcamp: Visualize, Validate, and Vow to make your toy or game idea real in just 5 days. Register here: learn.thetoycoach.com/bootcamp