The Iconic Dollcast

This week on the Iconic Dollcast, I’m joined by Jenna (@heyyalldolls) for a fun and nostalgic conversation all about the joy of doll collecting and the memories attached to it. We dive into the dolls from our childhoods that somehow disappeared from memory until we rediscovered them years later—and why those finds can feel so emotional and special.

We also talk about the luxury (and chaos) of having a dedicated doll room, how the perception of adult doll collecting has evolved over the years, and the huge role social media has played in bringing collectors together from all over the world. There’s something really special about finally “finding your people” in the doll community, and we get into how that sense of connection has changed the hobby for both of us.

Of course, we couldn’t skip American Girl. We discuss our favorite historicals, the best places to hunt for dolls, why there are far more adult AG collectors than people realize, and why restoring and refurbishing American Girl dolls is weirdly therapeutic and satisfying. We also share some of our best thrift store finds, thoughts on the newer modern AG dolls, and plenty more doll collector rambling along the way.
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This week on The Iconic Dollcast
I’m joined by Paige (@thenostalgiatoybox) for a deep dive into the toys that defined our childhoods—from the late 90s into the early 2000s. We’re talking everything from Strawberry Shortcake to Polly Pocket, Barbie to American Girl—and the unforgettable playsets (yes… the toy food!!) that made these worlds feel so real.

We get into Paige’s personal collection growing up, what made these toys so special, and how the quality compares to what we’re seeing on shelves today. Plus, we break down the essential toys of the era, shout out some seriously underrated gems, and revisit icons like Doodle Bears, Furby, and Water Babies.

And of course—we couldn’t ignore the massive nostalgia wave taking over toy aisles right now. Is it living up to the hype?

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This week on The Iconic Dollcast, I’m taking you inside the Denver Doll & Toy Super Show! 🛍️

Come along for a vlog-style day as I break down my budget, wishlist, and expectations before hitting the floor—then I take you through some of the most unique vendors and standout finds of the show. As well as some classic and random favorites! 

Spoiler: Britney was nowhere to be found 👀
Barbie and Star Wars completely dominated—and American Girl was noticeably missing.

Plus, I’m showing you what I bought, what I probably shouldn’t have bought, and the items I regrettably left behind! 

If you love dolls, collecting, and the thrill (and regret) of the hunt… this one’s for you.

This week on The Iconic Dollcast, I’m joined by Riccardo (@lonely.doll_) for a fun and honest conversation all about our doll journeys and the pieces that mean the most to us—especially when it comes to Barbie.

We dive into what it’s really like collecting outside of the U.S., including the rising challenges collectors are facing worldwide and how tariffs have impacted the accessibility and pricing of dolls across the globe.

We also get into the current state of the doll industry—why Monster High continues to be a major competitor to Barbie (and shouldn’t be underestimated), plus a little My Scene nostalgia and how the new releases compare to the originals.

From the growing normalization of doll collecting to the creative (and sometimes painful) process of customizing and rerooting, we cover both the joy and the reality of the hobby. We also explore the evolving role of AI in the toy industry—what it could mean moving forward, for better or worse.

Plus, we share our personal grail dolls, recent purchases, and so much more.

This week on Iconic Dollcast, I’m joined by Sam (@samanthajeanv on TikTok) for a deep dive into all things American Girl —from nostalgic childhood memories to the brand’s modern evolution.

We explore how our adult interests in history and storytelling connect back to the dolls and books we grew up with, and why those iconic American Girl catalogs (that every grandma somehow had lying around) made such a lasting impact.

We also get into some very real character debates—like why Samantha Parkington might be one of the most misunderstood dolls in the lineup… and why Molly McIntire might actually deserve the “brat” title instead 👀

Plus, we dive into:
    •    How the American Girl brand has shifted over the years—and what we think about where it is today
    •    The importance of the original historical books vs. the newer adaptations
    •    A spoiler-filled discussion on Raquel Reyes and why she feels like a step in the right direction
    •    The brand’s approach to rereleases and the interesting choices they make to keep the historical line alive
    •    Our picks for the most underrated and overrated dolls

It’s nostalgic, a little controversial, and full of love for the stories and dolls that shaped us.
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