More Than Play: How Toys Connect Us With Our Identity

In this episode, we sit down with toy expert Jonathan Alexandratos to explore the profound role that toys play in our lives, far beyond childhood. From self-expression to identity formation, toys are vessels that help us explore parts of ourselves not yet fully realized.

We unpack how the evolution of toy design and accessibility has deepened our connection to play and how these small objects carry big meaning. Whether nostalgic or forward-looking, our relationship with toys reveals more about us than we might expect.

Jonathan Alexandratos is a New York City-based writer, professor, and toy scholar. They were featured in the Emmy-nominated documentary "Billion Dollar Babies: The True Story of the Cabbage Patch Kids" and teach at Queensborough Community College and Sarah Lawrence College.

Order Jonathan's book, "Articulating the Action Figure: Essays on the Toys and Their Messages" on Amazon - https://amzn.to/44zh5Zr

And Jonathan's latest book "Free with Every Kids' Meal: The Cultural Impact of Fast Food Toys" on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3EtK7zb