Beste Making It In The Toy Industry podcaster (2024)

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#249: 7 Tips To Improve Your Virtual Toy Pitch: Extended 46:04

5d ago46:04

46:04

Ready to turn your toy ideas into marketable products but feeling lost in the world of virtual pitching? 🚀 Don’t worry, this episode is definitely for you! In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade drops all the tips you need to nail your next virtual toy pitch. Discover why energy is your secret weapon, how to create an u…

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#248: Breaking Through Barriers in Children’s Book Publishing with Charles George Esperanza: Extended Cut 52:14

12d ago52:14

52:14

Ever wonder how a kid from the South Bronx grew up to be a superstar children's book author and illustrator? 🚀 In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, join host Azhelle Wade as she chats with Charles George Esperanza, the creative mind behind Boogie Boogie Y’all! 🎨📚 From dreaming of drawing comics to becoming a HarperCollins author, Charl…

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#247: How to Fix What’s Not Working in Your Toy Business with Tyler Turk 37:50

19d ago37:50

37:50

How do you pivot your toy business when your current model isn’t working? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade chats with Tyler Turk, founder of Crated with Love, about his journey from subscription box entrepreneur to retail board game powerhouse. When Tyler’s subscription box business skyrocketed during the pandemic, it …

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#246: How AI is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier Than Ever Before with Azhelle Wade 37:59

26d ago37:59

37:59

Are you skeptical about integrating AI into your toy business? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade, also known as The Toy Coach, shares her AI expertise from this year's People of Play Innovation Conference and ChiTAG - Toy and Game Fair in Chicago, where she presented her talk on 'How AI is Making Toy Innovation and…

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#245: Crazy Aaron’s Secret Formula for Perfect Putty with Aaron Muderick 48:25

1M ago48:25

48:25

Have you ever wondered how a simple office toy evolved into a toy phenomenon? In this episode of 'Making It In The Toy Industry', host Azhelle Wade sits down with Aaron Muderick, the creative mind behind Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty. From a child's love for tinkering to creating a renowned brand, Aaron's journey is a testament to innovation, persis…

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#244: Choosing The Right Crowdfunding Platform For Your Launch with Lisa Ferland 41:46

1M ago41:46

41:46

Have you ever wondered what it takes to successfully launch on a crowdfunding platform? Many creators go to the world of crowdfunding believing it's simply about having a great idea and posting it online. However, there's far more strategy involved than we realize. The process requires meticulous planning, audience engagement, and a strong narrativ…

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#243: Vendors VS Sales Reps: A Storytelling Sales Showdown with Tres Patten and Rachel Jones 49:08

2M ago49:08

49:08

Ever wondered how to truly captivate buyers in the toy industry? Or why do some sales pitches fall flat even when the product is amazing? In today’s episode, we will talk about the magic of storytelling in the toy industry! We’ll cover how sales reps and vendors approach things differently, plus the secrets to crafting pitches that go beyond a quic…

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#242: How Wow Moments Became The Foundation Of This Toy Business with Richard North 56:30

2M ago56:30

56:30

Want to know how to ‘wow’ your way into the competitive toy industry? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade looks into Richard North's life, sharing how he went from a determined 19-year-old to a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Wow! Stuff. You will learn about his career’s turning points, such as be…

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#241: What This Bold Merger Means for the People of Play Innovation Conference with Greg Ahearn and Mary Couzin 39:17

2M ago39:17

39:17

Curious about what happens when major toy industry players team up? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade cracks open the toy box on the epic merger between The Toy Association and People of Play. You’ll hear straight from the toy legends — Mary Couzin and Greg Ahearn—as they give us backstage passes on their big plans…

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#240: Getting Media Attention For Your Plush Brand with Hugimals Founder Marina Khidekel 53:35

2M ago53:35

53:35

Ever wondered how a toy brand can also serve as a wellness tool? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade interviews Marina Khidekel, the founder of Hugimals World. Discover how Marina transitioned from a successful health journalist to a toy entrepreneur on a mission to address anxiety and stress with weighted plush toys. Mar…

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#239: Leaving A Career In Flowers For A Career In Toys with Chrissy Fagerholt 33:06

2M ago33:06

33:06

Have you ever thought about switching careers and diving into a completely new industry? In this episode of 'Making It in the Toy Industry,' student host Virginia takes the reins to interview Chrissy Fagerholt, a former floral designer turned toy entrepreneur. As one of the first graduates of the Toy Creators Academy (TCA), Chrissy shares her incre…

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#238: Starting and Growing An Online Business with Amy Porterfield: Extended Cut 41:10

3M ago41:10

41:10

Want to learn secrets to growing your toy brand online? In episode 238 of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade revisits an extended interview with her mentor, Amy Porterfield, a multi-million dollar online business owner and expert in email marketing. During the podcast, Amy shares her journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepre…

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#237: Crowdfunding Your Idea Just Got Easier with BackerKit 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

Ever wondered how to turn your toy idea into a fully-funded product without breaking the bank? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade sits down with two crowdfunding experts from BackerKit, Lafia and Maddie, to spill all the secrets behind running a successful crowdfunding campaign. They dive into how BackerKit helps creator…

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#236: The Toy Coach and The Toy Queen Discuss The Best Toys For Early Childhood Development 34:31

3M ago34:31

34:31

What Can a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Teach Us About Toys? In Episode 236 of "Making It in the Toy Industry," host Azhelle Wade chats with pediatric occupational therapist, Keri Wilmot, who has a treasure trove of insights from her nearly 25 years in the field. Keri uses toys to help children improve fine motor skills, coordination, and overa…

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#235: How to Use Consent-Based Email Marketing To Sell More Toys 39:58

3M ago39:58

39:58

Is Your Email Marketing Consent-Compliant, or Are You Just Spamming? In digital marketing circles, consent in email marketing has never been a hotter topic. Before the toy industry gets left in the dust on what constitutes as "consent" in email marketing, you NEED this episode. Today on Making It in the Toy Industry, The Toy Coach shares a conversa…

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#234: Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes When Working with a Toy Factory 28:43

4M ago28:43

28:43

Time for a little tough love toy-coaching: If you're struggling to develop a pre-production sample of your toy that you're proud of, the problem might be you! This week on the podcast, you'll learn 3 common mistakes that new toy creators make when working with overseas factories. This episode includes insights from my full time work in the toy indu…

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#233: How Plush Toy Brands Are Going Viral with Experiential Glow-Ups 27:21

4M ago27:21

27:21

Forget just selling products—it's time to create immersive shopping experiences for your customers, in person and online. The sensory retail revolution is here, driven by consumers who are tightening their purse strings yet still craving a deeper connection with the brands they invest in. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into three powerful ways plus…

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#232: The Underconsumption Core TikTok Trend is Shaping the Future of Toys 30:14

4M ago30:14

30:14

What is the "Underconsumption Core" TikTok trend and how might it effect the toy industry? From "Loud Budgeting" to "Underconsumption Core" Gen Z and Millennials are leading an era of saving over spending, and they aren't keeping quiet about it. As the cost of living skyrockets while wages remain stagnant, the U.S. is bracing for a financial downtu…

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#231: Art Made Easy: How Project Joy Studios Is Breaking Into The Toy Industry 49:35

4M ago49:35

49:35

What if I told you that you can easily create museum-quality art? This week, the Making It In The Toy Industry podcast hit the road for an in-person interview with Jessica Joy London at her studio space. Jessica is the founder of Project Joy Studios, and she's on a mission to make art accessible to everyone. Joy’s story shatters the myth that only …

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#230: How She Invented A Plush Toy and Licensed The Idea For Passive Income 43:54

5M ago43:54

43:54

Have you ever wondered if it were possible to sell your toy idea instead of the finished product? Today’s podcast episode follows one creator, who does just that. Today’s guest Joanna Paul, shares her journey of developing Moodles (formerly known as "What's Its Face?"), a patentable plush invention designed to help children understand and express t…

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#229: How Brand Experiences Can Increase Your Sales and Brand Loyalty 33:42

5M ago33:42

33:42

Branded Giveaways Are Dead! 😵 It's time to ditch the tired swag bags and discover the magic of themed experiences that truly connect with your audience. In this episode, our toy industry insiders reveal how to skyrocket your brand loyalty and sales through unforgettable brand experiences. Branded giveaways at trade shows are passé. Instead, themed …

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#228: Why You're Not Hearing Back from Top Toy Companies and What To Do Instead 28:40

5M ago28:40

28:40

Tired of Toy Companies Ghosting you? You're not alone! You know the toy industry needs fresh ideas, and you're confident you've got the next big thing. But here's the truth: your amazing concept is only as powerful as your network and pitch skills. So in this episode, we're breaking down: The real reasons toy companies might not be responding to yo…

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#227: Kelly’s Journey From Educator to Toy Creator with TCA 28:39

5M ago28:39

28:39

Transforming Math Test Prep With Educational Play Can studying math be as fun as playing a game? In this episode of Making it in the Toy Industry, Kelly Clement shows us that it CAN be. With her innovative product, Watermelon Math, Kelly turns the tedious task of studying into an engaging experience. Her journey from a middle school teacher to a su…

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#226: This Toy Delivers Real Mail Every Week To Kids Across The Globe with Wendy Lattimore 25:05

6M ago25:05

25:05

Can Snail Mail Still Captivate Today's Tech-Savvy Kids? Are today's digital-native children still charmed by the simple pleasure of receiving a physical letter? In Episode 226 of the "Making It in the Toy Industry" podcast, Virginia Lette engages with Wendy Lattimore, a successful graduate of the Toy Creators Academy (TCA), to explore this fascinat…

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#225: The Secrets of A Successful Toy Licensing Deal with Lee Allentuck 46:45

6M ago46:45

46:45

Is Your Pitch Ready For The Toy Industry? Pitching your innovative toy idea to industry giants can be as daunting as a job interview. In this episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," hosts Azhelle Wade and Lee Allentuck demystify the art and science of pitching, with insider tips that will revolutionize your approach to securing those golden lic…

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#224: This ONE Media Event Could Make Your Toy Brand Go Viral 📈 21:35

6M ago21:35

21:35

Toy trade shows are NOT the only way to get your brand noticed. Your toy brand could go viral after attending a toy industry media event. In this episode of "Making It in the Toy Industry," Azhelle Wade shares the juicy details behind influencer events and media showcases like Sweet Suite and Holiday of Play. These industry gatherings are hidden ge…

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#223: Unlock Your Game Design Potential with April Mitchell 45:21

6M ago45:21

45:21

Have you EVER had an idea for a game? This episode is for you. 🫵 Well, don't miss this Part 2 continuation from episode 221, an interview with April Mitchell! April, a licensed game inventor and co-creator of the Tabletop Game Design Masterclass shares her journey from toy industry newbie to a game design expert. Get ready to giggle along as April …

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#222: Licensing Expo 2024 Recap: Reasons to Mark Your Calendar for Next Year 38:53

7M ago38:53

38:53

Curious about how to make the most out of your trade show experience? In this episode, The Toy Coach shares her experience and reason for attending the Las Vegas Licensing Expo even though she didn’t have anything to license. By the end of this episode, you’ll know if you should attend the Las Vegas Licensing Expo next year, and how you can make th…

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#221: Should You Partner With Another Toy or Game Inventor? 41:23

7M ago41:23

41:23

Are you thinking about teaming up with a partner for your toy or game invention? But what if it isn’t the right move for you? Tune into this episode of "Making it in the Toy Industry," where Azhelle Wade chats with April Mitchell about the ins and outs of partnering up in the world of invention. April is a licensed inventor and the co-creator of th…

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#220: Ensure Your Toys Meet Legal Safety Standards or It Can Cost You 30:37

7M ago30:37

30:37

Did you know that even if you're selling a toy product on Etsy, you are required to have it safety tested and certified? In this episode, dive deep into the crucial topic of toy safety and compliance. The first half of the episode focuses on the legal requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the US. Gain an understanding…

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#219: Why He Went From Mattel to TCA and Launched His Plush Toy 27:44

7M ago27:44

27:44

Q: Could TCA be valuable to you if you already have corporate toy industry experience? A: YES! Perhaps you think that having professional toy industry experience guarantees success in your entrepreneurial ventures. But this episode turns that notion on its head, featuring Gerardo, a former toy industry professional turned toy entrepreneur, charting…

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#218: Safe Social Media? The World's Largest Social Network For Kids with Ashley Mady 35:08

8M ago35:08

35:08

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 you…

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#217: How To Make Your Toy Brand Climate Friendly with Helen Townsend 40:52

8M ago40:52

40:52

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 t…

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#216: The Hidden Challenges and Opportunities in Toy Licensing with Anita Castellar 59:31

8M ago59:31

59:31

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 in…

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#215: How He Launched an Action Figure Line from Ideation, Marketing, to Retail Placement 31:52

8M ago31:52

31:52

Ever wondered how a simple idea can transform into a toy that's flying off the shelves? Perhaps you've been toying around with a concept, but the thought of kickstarting it into production leaves you feeling majorly overwhelmed. Well, then today’s episode is the perfect fit for you. Brandon Braswell, founder of 9 to 5 Warriors is sharing the ups an…

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#214: Everything You Need To Know About MESH Accreditation For Your Toy 43:43

9M ago43:43

43:43

Is your latest toy design capable of teaching kids valuable life skills? Creating a toy that's both a blast to play with and packs a punch in the personal growth department isn't child's play. So, how do you shake things up and make a toy that's not just another shiny object in the toy box but a true game-changer in a kid's development? Get ready t…

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#213: From Empath to Entrepreneur with Jana Hallam of Wonderwell Toy Company 27:01

9M ago27:01

27:01

Kids today are facing a kindness crisis. From the playground to the classroom, loneliness and bullying run rampant. But there's hope on the horizon, thanks to one toy designer's mission to spark empathy through play. Meet Jana Hallam, TCA alumni and the visionary founder of Wonderwell Toy Co. In this inspiring episode, Jana opens up to guest host V…

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#212: Why Your Toy Package Deserves More Than Matte with Anchor Creative 20:18

9M ago20:18

20:18

Are you giving your toy's package the attention and budget it deserves? If your answer isn't an immediate "Heck yes Azhelle, ALWAYS." then it's time to listen to part 2 of of Ivan and Brittany's interview on this podcast. At the top of the episode, Ivan and Brittany share their secret on staying up to date with trends and spotting what's exciting i…

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#211: How To Efficiently Communicate Your Toy's Value Through Packaging with Anchor Creative 29:44

9M ago29:44

29:44

Your toy package should be the 24/7 salesman for your toy product. Is your packaging putting in the work? If you have ever wondered how to make your packaging communicate the value of your product, I’ve got a new episode that you just can't miss. As one of our guests today will attest, often toy packaging is an afterthought, but what if I told you …

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#210: An Insider Look at A National Toy Trade Show in Las Vegas 25:41

9M ago25:41

25:41

Have you heard about the Toy Trade Show that happened in Las Vegas? It’s called Toy Fest and I just dropped an episode all about it in case you missed it! In this episode I’m sharing quotes from the diverse range of attendees, breaking down emerging trends and highlighting innovations showcased on the floor and in the showrooms. Discover why Toy Fe…

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#209: How Women in the Toy Industry Are Building Dreams and Connections with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn 18:42

10M ago18:42

18:42

Right now you might feel like an outsider in the toy industry. But it’s important to remember that we ALL started out that way. The goal of today’s podcast episode is to show you how you can go from zero connections in the world of toys, to thousands! Yep, thousands. To teach that lesson, I’m bringing you part two of my interview with Ehi Oviasu-Ka…

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#208: When Motherhood Inspires Toy Invention with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn 25:37

10M ago25:37

25:37

Have you ever wondered what drives the passion behind toy inventors? In this compelling episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we dive deep with Ehi Oviasu-Kahn, the dynamic chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Women in Toys Licensing and Entertainment, and the creative mind behind Little Art. Discover how the quest to entertain and educate h…

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#207: The Secrets To Networking in The Toy Industry 33:16

10M ago33:16

33:16

Are you struggling to crack the networking code in the toy industry? Tune in to episode #207 of The Toy Coach Podcast: Making It In The Toy Industry as Azhelle Wade, unveils the secrets behind successful networking. Spoiler? It's easier than you think. The host debunks myths surrounding industry connections and shares invaluable tips for building m…

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#206: How “No” Led This Game Creator To Unexpected Opportunity 29:26

10M ago29:26

29:26

In this special edition of "Making It In The Toy Industry," we follow the journey of Catherine Tenaglia, co-founder of Race to Stupid, as she shares insights into her entrepreneurial venture and the impact of TCA on her business strategy. Catherine reflects on her TCA experience, highlighting the invaluable guidance provided by the founder of The T…

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#205: Turning Ideas into Top Sellers with Robert Yusim 26:33

11M ago26:33

26:33

In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, we delve into the world of consumer product marketing and licensing with special guest Robert Yusim. We open with a captivating discussion on the value of ideas versus inventions and the crucial steps needed to turn an idea into a marketable product. Robert shares his journey into the toy industry a…

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#204: Exploring the Secrets, Surprises, and History of Polly Pocket with Maude Campbell 28:15

11M ago28:15

28:15

Do you remember the original tiny world of Polly Pocket? In this week’s episode, we dive deep into the history, secrets, and surprises behind this iconic toy with Maude Campbell, author of the upcoming book The Legacy of Polly Pocket: Mattel's Micro Moneymaker. Join us as we explore how a simple button inspired inventor Chris Wiggs to fashion an ic…

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#203: How CJ Charles Turned Her Children's Book into a Plush Doll 32:39

11M ago32:39

32:39

Ever wondered how a beloved character from a children's book can leap off the pages and become a real toy? This episode of "Making It in the Toy Industry" reveals the transformative journey of a TCA Alumni who turned a character from their storybook into a cherished 12-inch plush toy. Join Virginia Lette as the host of this new series in a conversa…

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#202: Gender Neutral Toy Sections Are Now Law In California 40:48

11M ago40:48

40:48

How does the recent California law mandating gender-neutral toy sections in large retail stores impact the toy industry? This episode takes a deep dive into the nuances of this legislative change and its potential ripple effects on manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. The episode revisits a critical discussion from October 2021, examining the i…

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#201: 12 SMART Goals To Launch Your Toy Idea in 2024 26:41

12M ago26:41

26:41

Are you ready to transform your toy idea into a market-ready product by the end of 2024 but unsure where to start? Then you’ve chosen the perfect episode to dive into! In just 26 minutes, get a month-by-month blueprint, detailing 12 SMART goals to lead you into a soft launch of your toy or game by Q4 of 2024. With guidance from The Toy Coach, you'l…

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#200: Virginia Lette Interviews Azhelle Wade The Toy Coach 49:17

12M ago49:17

49:17

To celebrate Episode 200 of Making It in The Toy Industry, something special is underway. Joining The Toy Coach, also known as Azhelle Wade, is Virginia Lette, an accomplished Australian radio and television presenter. She is renowned for co-hosting Eclipse Music TV for three years and serving as a Weekend News and Sport Presenter for WIN News Tasm…

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