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A heads up to our listeners, this episode includes a brief reference

to thoughts of self-harm.

Please listen with care.

Satchi, do you have a favorite childhood toy that you still remember loving so much?

Yes, I had a Barbie that had a yo-yo attachment and she would yo-yo.

And she had different types of yoyos you could get and I had a Barbie caravan

that like pulled out into a whole barbecue set I I loved it so much. I remember I was trying very hard to impress my older brother and I begged my parents to get me a Tonka truck, which I really did love, but also like Barbies were the thing which as you know they had a

very big moment last year. I do recall hearing some whispers of that for sure.

Well Barbies were the dominant toy when we were girls, but the story of how they got so popular is actually a little scammy, which of course was not covered in the billion dollar blockbuster.

Get ready, Saatchi.

It's 1979 and beloved TV host Murb Griffin is on the set of his long running talk show.

He's in his 50's hand with short white hair and oozing confidence and charm.

He's an Emmy winning host who's interviewed icons like Vincent Price, Joan Crawford, and Salvador

Dolly's guest is just as iconic but not as well known. Her name's Ruth handler. Merv's audience might not recognize her,

but he knows are familiar with her most famous creation.

Here's how he introduces Ruth.

She is responsible for the creation of the Barbie doll,

which became the biggest selling toy in history.

Would you welcome Ruth Hanler.

...