Toy Industry Veteran Reveals Why Pokémon is EXPLODING

| DSH #2105 What if Pokémon cards, toys, manga, and collectibles are no longer just nostalgia, but a real asset class? In this Digital Social Hour episode, Sean Kelly sits down with Jeremy Padawer, President of Jazwares, to discuss Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Squishmallows, toy licensing, collectibles, manga, graded cards, Harry Potter books, LEGO, Hot Wheels, Tech Decks, and why high-end collectibles are becoming serious investments. Jeremy breaks down how Pokémon became one of the biggest entertainment properties in history, how Jazwares landed the global Pokémon partnership, and why collectors, investors, institutions, and major entrepreneurs are starting to treat collectibles like art. The conversation also covers the Palisades fire that destroyed nearly all of Jeremy’s collectibles, the biggest mistake he ever passed on in toys, selling ACT.com for $500,000, Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway, Logan Paul, anime, NFTs, digital collectibles, collector psychology, and why Jeremy believes collecting brings people together across culture, politics, and generations. CHAPTERS 0:00 Pokémon, Licensing Expo, and Opening Claims 0:47 Jeremy Padawer Joins The Show 1:14 Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and Toy Licensing 5:02 Ryan’s World, Missed Deals, and Resilience 6:50 Wicked Cool Toys, Pokémon, and Berkshire Hathaway 12:02 Pokémon Cards, Palisades Fire, and Insurance Lessons 20:07 ACT.com, Manga, Anime, and Collectible Investing 30:02 Pokémon, NFTs, Digital Collectibles, and Long-Term IP 35:04 GPA, Building Jazwares, and Collecting Strategy 40:06 Harry Potter, Sports Cards, LEGO, Hot Wheels, and Final Message WHAT YOU’LL LEARN 🧸 How Jeremy built a career around toys, licensing, and collectibles 🔥 Why Pokémon became one of the biggest entertainment properties ever 💰 How collectibles can outperform traditional asset classes 📈 Why high-end cards, manga, books, and toys are gaining investor attention 🃏 How Jeremy bought a PSA 10 first edition Pokémon set before the boom 🏠 What happened when nearly all of his collectibles burned in the Palisades fire 🤝 How Jazwares landed the global Pokémon partnership 📚 Why Harry Potter books, manga, and anime collectibles matter 🧠 Why great collectors need both passion and analytics 🌍 Why Jeremy believes collecting can bring people together 🎙️ APPLY OR CONNECT 👉 Interested in being a guest? Apply here: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/apply 📩 Business Inquiries & Sponsorships [email protected] 👤 GUESTS Jeremy Padawer: Instagram: jeremypadawer https://jeremy.com/ https://shop.jazwares.com/pages/vault 🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXa... 📸 Follow the Host Sean Kelly on Instagram: @seanmikekelly ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team. The host and producers are not responsible for statements, claims, or opinions shared by guests during the show. This content is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. Digital Social Hour works with participants in sponsored media and stays compliant with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations regarding sponsored media. Jeremy Padawer paid Digital Social Hour for promotional participation and distribution associated with this episode. The opinions expressed are the participant’s own." Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and consult qualified professionals when appropriate. While we aim to share accurate and reliable information, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or accuracy. KEYWORDS Jeremy Padawer, Jazwares, Digital Social Hour, Sean Kelly, Pokémon, collectibles, Squishmallows, Hello Kitty, toy licensing, manga, graded cards, collectible investing