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August 19, 2025 50 mins

Join me as I dive deep into the unbelievable faith secrets behind the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' creator – can I unravel the mystery?

Join Monica Hansen on The Graceful Warrior Podcast as she interviews Howard "Quiggly" Chang, the legendary toy concept artist behind iconic action figures including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Trek toys, and McDonald's Happy Meal collectibles.

In this powerful episode, Howard shares his incredible journey from designing toys that shaped childhoods worldwide to walking away from success at the peak of TMNT's popularity. Discover how God called him back to his creative roots 12 years later during a difficult divorce, leading to divine visions that inspired his new project: Ancientz - a revolutionary toy line featuring Hebrews 11 heroes as armored warriors.

3 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. God Uses Every Season for His Purpose

Howard's secular toy design career wasn't wasted time - it was preparation. His expertise with TMNT and major franchises equipped him perfectly for creating biblical action figures that could compete in today's market.

2. Perfection Paralysis Blocks God's Plans

Howard held his Ancients project for 12 years trying to make it "perfect." His breakthrough came when his wife Gloria said: "It doesn't have to be perfect. Just do it." Sometimes obedience matters more than perfection.

3. Creative Gifts Are Spiritual Battlegrounds

The entertainment industry shapes children's values. Howard recognized the lack of faith-based toys with the "cool factor" and felt called to create biblical characters that kids would actually want, not just accept from parents.

GUEST BIO

Howard "Quiggly" Chang is a legendary toy concept artist and the creative mastermind behind some of history's most iconic action figures. As lead designer at Varner Studios, he created the globally successful Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line, Star Trek figures, McDonald's Happy Meal toys, and Flash Gordon collectibles that shaped childhoods worldwide.

After walking away from the toy industry at TMNT's peak, Howard built a successful manufacturing business spanning 25 ventures. Following a divine encounter during a difficult divorce 12 years ago, God called him back to his creative roots with a kingdom purpose. He's now launching Ancients, a revolutionary universe where heroes from Hebrews 11 are reimagined as armored spiritual warriors battling darkness.

Howard lives in Southern California with his wife Gloria and continues designing toys while building the Ancients brand to inspire the next generation with biblical heroes.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Howard "Quiggly" Chang:

Monica Hansen - Host:

  • Podcast: The Graceful Warrior Podcast
  • Website: [TheGracefulWarrior.com]
RESOURCE LINKS 🎯 Primary Resources:
  • Ancients Kickstarter (August 19 launch)
  • Netflix Documentary: "The Toys That Made Us" Season 3 (TMNT episode)
  • Tim Keller sermons on Hebrews 11
  • Monica's poetry book (Captured By His Heart)
📖 Biblical References:
  • Hebrews 11 (Hall of Faith)
  • 1 Samuel 17 (David & Goliath)
  • John 3:16 (Tim Tebow reference)
CALL-TO-ACTION SECTIONS 🚀 Support the Mission:

Ready to impact the next generation? Visit AncientsZ.com and hit "N

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