The Toy Podcast: Recent Episodes
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.
We take a look and break down recent movies that are based on toys, games, and the beautiful art of story telling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We explore a list of some of the most popular board games that families can enjoy together.
We explore board games that are currently the favourites in Germany, from the most popular, the most complicated, and the ones enjoyed by kids.
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.
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...
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.
We share notes, and sentiments, from the experts on the best toys for 2022 based on current trends and predictions.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
On this episode we explore the fascinating world of tabletop gaming, the oldest board games and the best ones in recent years.
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.
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.
We explore the life of the legendary Eddy Goldfarb, who’s still making toys at 100. We discuss some of his inventions as well.
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.
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.
We explore a list of toys that were popular during Christmas over the past years since 1977 to date.
We continue the conversation on toys that were recalled, discontinued, or banned due to the danger they imposed to both kids and adults.
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.
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.
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.
On this episode, we explore some of the board games we play to this day that have dark and controversial histories.
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.
On this episode we explore Tabletop Gaming and discuss the advantages of it going mainstream.