Toy Federation Podcast

Toy Federation Podcast
  • 5.0 (13)
  • HOBBIES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ryan Bonavia takes toy enthusiasts behind the scenes of his shop Toy Federation (Greer, SC) and discusses the challenges of a modern day toy dealer, the current state of collecting, starting his own conventions, and pop culture topics in general with his cohosts Travis and Andy.

  1. 10H AGO

    Is It Game Over For The Tron Franchise? - Toy Federation Podcast

    Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast, your ultimate deep dive into the evolution of toys and pop culture from the 1980s to the 2020s. In this episode, we plug into the digital world of Tron, tracing the franchise from its groundbreaking 1982 special effects to the rare Tomy action figures and foreign-release light cycles that fetch "stupid money" on the secondary market today. Beyond the grid, we discuss the fascinating history of toy manufacturing and licensing, including the legendary Kenner Batcave mold that was reused seven times across three different companies, and the early 2000s nostalgia boom led by He-Man commemorative figures. We also branch out into the broader world of collectibles, from the mysterious Scooby-Doo Transformers crossover to the iconic creature designs of Big Trouble in Little China, while debating the merits of modern CGI versus classic practical effects in franchises like Star Wars and Robocop. Whether you are a fan of vintage 1980s toys or modern 2020s releases, join us for an insightful look at the history, glitches, and "glow-in-the-dark" treasures of the toy world.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 11-13, 2026: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 20-22, 2026: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

    51 min

  2. JAN 9

    Behind the Scenes of Our Most Controversial Customers - Toy Federation Podcast

    Welcome to the Toy Federation Podcast, where we take you behind the scenes of our toy shop to explore the world of collecting from the 1980s to the 2020s. In this episode, we share wild stories about our most memorable and "controversial" customers, including the "Elton John" of vintage G.I. Joe collectors and the infamous "Shady Saga Guy," while diving into the logistics of massive collection buys. Whether you are looking for deep dives into '80s nostalgia, retail history like the glory days of Kmart, or insights into the trading and flipping culture of Star Wars, He-Man, and Dungeons & Dragons, our podcast offers an authentic look at the community and the business that keeps the toy industry alive. Join us for some casual shop talk about everything from trucker hats to the rarest model kits, and discover what it’s really like to run a premier destination for collectors.#toys #toycollector #toystore Toy Federation YouTube Channel Referenced:Elton John of Vintage G.I. joe Part1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cLwsq_XpRk&t=14s Part2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuEfksq5v2c&t=933sShady Saga Guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81nYqC5-L6o&t=8sWATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 11-13, 2026: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 20-22, 2026: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

    49 min

  3. JAN 2

    Is the 1980s G.I. Joe Toy Line Still the Best in the Franchise? - Toy Federation Podcast

    Yo, Joe! Join Ryan, Travis, and Andy on the Toy Federation Podcast as they tackle the ultimate question: Is the 1980s G.I. Joe toy line still the best in the franchise? This episode is a must-watch for retro toy collectors interested in the evolution of G.I. Joe from the 1980s to the 2020s, featuring deep dives into the lore of G.I. Joe and Cobra, the transition from Marvel Comics to the iconic Sunbow and DIC cartoons, and the "battle jazz" that defined a generation. We explore the history of other legendary franchises like He-Man (MOTU), Transformers, and Star Wars, while analyzing Hasbro’s production strategies, such as using figures as "loss leaders" for high-priced vehicles. From the hunt for a vintage Gung-Ho or Snake Eyes to the quirky Street Fighter crossovers and the impact of the secondary market on modern Marvel Legends, we cover the nostalgia and the business of collecting. Whether you're here for memories of 80s comic stores, stories from Retro-Toy Con's "Disco Eternia," or debates on Ninja Force gimmicks, this podcast provides an insightful and humorous look at the toys that shaped our childhoods.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 11-13, 2026: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 20-22, 2026: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

    54 min

  4. 12/26/2025

    What Do Toy Vendors Get Their Kids For Christmas? - Toy Federation Podcast

    Join the Toy Federation Podcast for a special holiday episode where Ryan, Travis, and Andy reflect on their evolution from kids unwrapping gifts to toy store owners and parents striving to recreate that Christmas morning magic for their own children. Drawing on decades of experience, they discuss the unique dynamics of being in the "toy business" where it feels like Christmas every day, allowing them to introduce the next generation to vintage Star Wars and G.I. Joe figures while also navigating modern hits like Bluey, Monster High, and Marvel Legends. This deep dive into toy collecting from the 1980s to the 2020s explores the nostalgia of the Sears catalog, the mystery of big box store "white boxes," and the struggle to keep kids engaged with physical toys versus video games while offering an insightful look at the business and heart of the toy aisle.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 11-13, 2026: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 20-22, 2026: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

    48 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    Don't Expect To Get Rich Off These Toys! - Toy Federation Podcast

    Are you interested in vintage toy lines from the 1980s and 1990s that failed to hold their value for collectors? This podcast episode dives into specific lines that are considered "worthless" not because they are poorly made, but strictly from the standpoint that they do not sell. We provide expert analysis on numerous movie tie-in toys that tanked, such as figures from Stargate, where a pristine carded figure might only yield $20, along with disappointing lines for Congo and Water World. The discussion also covers cartoon and video game lines like the poorly articulated G.I. Joe Extreme, Double Dragon, and the heavily reused Robin Hood movie figures. Whether you are a dealer or a YouTube toy collector hunting for knowledge on forgotten lines like Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, Spiral Zone, or Superhuman Samurai Cyber Squad, tune in to understand why these highly publicized lines ultimately did not succeed in the secondary market.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/BUY TICKETS for our UPCOMING TOY FEDERATION CONVENTIONS!*Our Horror Convention September 11-13, 2026: Retro-Horrorcon.com*Our Toy Convention November 20-22, 2026: Retro-Toycon.comTOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

    59 min

  6. 12/12/2025

    That's A Wrap For Retro-Toy Con 2025! -Toy Federation Podcast

    Welcome back to the Toy Federation podcast! Join Ryan, Travis, and Andy as they break down the events from this year's Retro-Toy Con from their shop in Greer, South Carolina. This episode is a must-listen for toy collectors interested in vintage toys and modern action figures, covering how this vintage toy show achieved record attendance, particularly on the Friday preview night, and generated high-impact sales. Learn about the incredible vendor success stories selling highly sought-after items like carded G.I. Joe, Star Wars, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, emphasizing that heavy hitters save up specifically for this event. The hosts also share behind-the-scenes stories, including the logistical mishaps involving celebrity guests who dealt with cancelled flights and lost luggage, the unique Thundercats VIP dinner, and the "insanity" of the after-hours elements like the lobby swap and room trading. Discover why this event is considered one of the best shows by vendors, offering an affordable, community-focused experience where friendships are made.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/TOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

    58 min

  7. 12/05/2025

    Interviewing Animation Legends Larry Kenney and Tom Cook - Toy Federation Podcast

    Dive deep into 1980s animation history with the Toy Federation Podcast, recorded live at Retro-Toy Con, featuring legendary voice actor Larry Kenney (Thundercats, Silverhawks, Tigersharks) and renowned Filmation/Hanna-Barbera animator Tom Cook (He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo, Bravestarr, Super Friends, Ghostbusters) in their first ever interview together. A must-watch episode for fans of cartoons, animating, and voice acting, Cook shares fascinating insider details about the pioneering animation techniques used for He-Man, while Kenney details the collaborative process of recording lines for shows like Thundercats and Silverhawks.#toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials!*Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation*Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop*Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/TOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT:*Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv*Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf*Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccjWATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST!https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36BUY Toy Federation MERCH!http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federationCOME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650Monday 10 AM–7 PMTuesday 10 AM–7 PMWednesday 10 AM–7 PMThursday 10 AM–7 PMFriday 10 AM–7 PMSaturday 10 AM–8 PMSunday Closed

    1h 5m

  8. 11/28/2025

    We Had a Toy Federation Panel For Our Fans At Our Retro-Toy Con!

    is special podcast episode, recorded live from the Retro-Toy Convention, is your deep dive into the passionate world of vintage and modern toy collecting. Join Ryan, Travis, Andy, and Devin as they discuss this "toy paradise" dedicated to nostalgic games, comics, and characters. The conversation is tailored for collectors interested in toys spanning four decades, featuring heavy discussion on classic toys from the 1980s and 1990s—including G.I. Joe, He-Man, Star Wars, and Transformers—as well as newer items. The hosts provide an insider look at the show’s success, emphasizing the focus on quality vendors who bring their "best stuff" and unique guests from classic cartoons, all while sharing the intense effort required to organize a show that fosters lifelong friendships and creates emotional moments for the toy community. Whether discussing finding "the one that got away" or the mission to sell complete items that rekindle childhood memories, this podcast delivers an insightful look into the heart of the ultimate toy show experience. #toys #toycollector #toystore WATCH and SUBSCRIBE to Our Other Channels and Socials! *Main YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@toyfederation *Toy Federation Facebook: facebook.com/ToyFederationShop *Toy Federation Instagram: instagram.com/ToyFederationShop/ TOY FEDERATION PODCAST ALSO AVAILABLE AT: *Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mwuw3mtv *Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3pnbsyzf *Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2bxsvccj WATCH EVERY EPISODE of the Toy Federation Podcast in one convenient PLAYLIST! https://tinyurl.com/3ds8yr36 BUY Toy Federation MERCH! http://www.teepublic.com/user/toy-federation COME OUT and VISIT OUR SHOP in Person! 104 Middleton Way, Greer, SC 29650 Monday 10 AM–7 PM Tuesday 10 AM–7 PM Wednesday 10 AM–7 PM Thursday 10 AM–7 PM Friday 10 AM–7 PM Saturday 10 AM–8 PM Sunday Closed

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Ryan Bonavia takes toy enthusiasts behind the scenes of his shop Toy Federation (Greer, SC) and discusses the challenges of a modern day toy dealer, the current state of collecting, starting his own conventions, and pop culture topics in general with his cohosts Travis and Andy.

Information

  • Creator
    Toy Federation Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Toy Federation Podcast
  • Show Website
    Toy Federation Podcast

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