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 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat   Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/   If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites: Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com  ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com     Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast   This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC:  www.pressrecordstudios.com