logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
12m 21s

How your childhood toys tell your life s...

TED
About this episode

What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? Your answer might reveal more about you than you expect, says toy historian Chris Byrne. From Matchbox cars and Barbie to Rubik's Cube and Squishmallows, he explores how playthings reflect cultural values and influence who you become as an adult.



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Yesterday
The 60 seconds that make or break a conversation | Chris Fenning
What's your point? Communication expert Chris Fenning reveals how the first 60 seconds can make or break a workplace conversation — and shares a three-step framework to help you get it right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. 
13m 13s
Aug 31
This is what the birth of the universe sounded like | Mark Whittle
What sound came after the Big Bang? Astronomer Mark Whittle takes us back to the infant cosmos, where massive sound waves pulsed through primordial gas in a pattern that's still traceable across the galaxy today. Working with sound artist Ander Mikalson and composer Caroline Shaw ... Show More
15m 35s
Aug 30
Sunday Pick: How to quit (and why it matters) with Anthony Klotz | from Fixable
During the pandemic, Anthony Klotz predicted the “Great Resignation”: a mass exodus of unhappy workers leaving their jobs after COVID epiphanies. Now, he’s seeing a different pattern begin to emerge as people opt to hunker down in their current jobs until they can find a better o ... Show More
46m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2015
How Hot Wheels Work
<p>If you're an American who had a childhood, you probably have some nostalgia for Hot Wheels. Get your engines revved for this trip down memory lane as we discuss these fun and iconic toys.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork ... Show More
41m 1s
Mar 2022
The History of Toys (or Why Do We Love a Little Guy?)
Jen, Ginny, Nat, & Corrie take a tour through the colossal of history toys, asking the age-old question, why do we love a little guy? Outline: 1 since the dawn of time, ppl have wanted other ppl to check out the little guy they made. 2 imitative and instructive 3 the earliest toy ... Show More
2h 13m
Oct 2024
Chatterbox #327 – Kidults and nostalgia
In this Chatterbox episode, Andrew and Anna talk about the “Kidult” trend and how strong nostalgia can be. They talk about their favorite childhood toys, like Barbies, Beanie Babies, Legos, and video games. They also discuss how many adults today are returning to these toys by co ... Show More
30m 34s
May 2023
We Got Super Into Toy Cars, Part One: Matchbox versus Hot Wheels
Remember toy cars? Ben, Noel and Max investigate the surprisingly weird evolution of old-school, die-cast car models from their origins to the modern day, ultimately asking what happened to the fad. Bonus points for everyone taking a Matchbox or Hot Wheels toy and vrooming-vroomi ... Show More
43m 24s
Jan 2022
SMNTY Classics: Why do kids love stuffed animals so much?
<p>What's the childhood psychology of stuffed animals and other "transitional objects"? Why do 35 percent of adults still sleep with stuffed animals? Tune in to this classic episode to learn more, including a brief history of the teddy bear and why the stuff possum never caught o ... Show More
33m 14s
Mar 2022
Do toys and games shape who we'll become?
People often give certain kinds of toys and games to girls when they are young and other kinds of toys and games to boys. But do the toys and games you are given as a child shape what sort of person you will become in life? And does it matter? Brains Trust: Lyneham Primary School ... Show More
25m 58s
Nov 2023
Childhood Products
Which one of these brings you back to a memory when you was wittle?Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
6m 50s
Aug 2025
Grown-ups buying kids’ toys
What was your favourite toy as a child? And would you consider playing with it as an adult...? It's not just kids who like to play with toys – many adults like to buy kids' toys for themselves! Phil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Find a full transcript, w ... Show More
6m 38s