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Morning Brew Daily

Are AI Companions a Threat to Toys? & The Kidult Economy is Booming

Morning Brew Daily

Morning Brew

Business News, News, Business

4.43K Ratings

🗓️ 28 November 2025

⏱️ 29 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Episode 724: Neal and Toby talk with James Zahn, the editor-in-chief of The Toy Book, aka @therockfather, to dive deep into the toy industry as the holiday becomes the busiest time of the year for the industry. But will it now have to compete with the advent of AI-powered toys and companions? Also, what’s fueling the Kidult economy and why the term isn’t exactly new. Then, a discussion about the symbiotic relationship between Hollywood and toy manufacturers. Finally, what are the greatest toys of all-time.  Learn more at usbank.com/splitcard  Get your MBD live show tickets here! https://www.tinyurl.com/MBD-HOLIDAY  Subscribe to Morning Brew Daily for more of the news you need to start your day. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.swap.fm/l/mbd-note⁠⁠⁠  Watch Morning Brew Daily Here:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MorningBrewDailyShow⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

The best B2B marketing gets wasted on the wrong people.

0:04.1

In what possible world do I need the seven pound bag of wasabi peas that social media is obsessed with showing me?

0:10.0

To reach the right professionals, use LinkedIn ads.

0:12.6

LinkedIn has grown to a network of over 130 million decision makers.

0:16.8

You can target your buyers by job title industry and more.

0:20.3

Spend $250 on your first campaign and and LinkedIn will even give you a $250 credit on your next one.

0:26.9

Just go to LinkedIn.com slash MBD.

0:29.4

That's LinkedIn.com slash MBD.

0:31.8

Terms and conditions apply only on LinkedIn ads.

0:36.3

Good morning, Brew Daily Show. I'm Neil Fryman. And I'm Toby Howell. Today, Brewed Daily Show.

0:38.7

I'm Neil Fryman.

0:39.4

And I'm Toby Howell.

0:40.4

Today, strap into your Tonka trucks.

0:42.4

We're going on a toy ride.

0:44.0

Duss off those Legos and reassemble Mr. Potato Head.

0:47.0

We're talking toys.

0:48.5

It's Friday, November 28th.

0:50.8

Let's ride.

1:01.0

Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving and we're able to sleep in today on an extra full stomach. As you dig into the leftovers, here is a special Black Friday interview episode all about toys.

1:08.0

James Zahn is the editor-in-chief of the toy book, who also goes by The Rockfather. Ahead of the holiday gift-giving season, we wanted to pick his brain about the latest trends in toys, and you will not want to skip it or even bop it. This dude is a toy savant. He can solve a Rubik's cube in negative 10 seconds. His Etzisht Strangings hang invre, and he's got a cool beer, too. Seriously, look it up. So even if you don't know a G.I. Joe from a Glow Sick or a Lego from a Lincoln log, you will feel like a toy connoisseur by the end of this episode. But first, a word from our sponsor, US Bank. It's that time of the year again, pet parents. Your dogs and cats are surrounded by

1:44.2

wrapping paper, seasonal treats, and other tasty temptations that could end up in unexpected

1:48.8

trips to the vet. The last thing you want is to have to pay those emergency vet bills out of pocket.

...

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