In childhood development, transitional objects provide comfort in difficult or unique situations. We’re joined by Stacey Rader, of Adventures of a Geeky Vixen, to discuss some of the toys that helped us through some tricky times growing up and into adulthood.
We laugh, we cry (almost), and get a little gross.
Visuals
Turns out that Strawberry Shortcake rag dolls make great stunt padding in a pinch. And they smell good too.
Mini Stacey with her bodyguards
My old friend with the crooked nose and droopy eye.
Carrie Fisher meets Endor Carrie Fisher
Me and my friend with our Showtime Kamar E.T.s in 1982
He’s an adult, he’s annoying, and he’s an important part of Stacey’s past.
Moss Man got me through a long drive to my impending doom (hospital visit).
When you’re nervous about flying, it’s good to have the ultimate co-pilot at your side.
Extras
Jim Henson’s The Christmas Toy
“More Than Just Teddy Bears” by Colleen Goddard
Dear Todd and Stacey,
This conversation provided a missing piece in my growth as a children’s media creator using therapeutic puppetry/play. The idea of the toy as a token/connection to home/self-regulation relates to my understanding of how children naturally project their thoughts, ideas and feelings onto puppets allowing them to safely explore complex topics/experiences. I’ve struggled with finding compromise in what I tend to associate with merchandising to children/taking advantage for financial gain, but the idea of providing a physical connection to a character that in turn eventually reveals that the inner strength/regulation comes from with in does not compromise morals, but instead supports my personal mission to serve the inner needs of children and their grown ups. Thank you!
DJ
Thanks for listening, Danny. This was one of my favorite conversations and I’m thrilled that it has reached people. I think merchandising can be done thoughtfully, as is evidenced by Jim Henson and Fred Rogers and their respective takes on merchandising. In both cases their focus was on creating something good for kids, and all else was secondary. The book Make Art Make Money: Lessons from Jim Henson on Fueling Your Creative Career by Elizabeth Hyde Stevens touches on this quite a bit and I can’t recommend it enough.