Collector Nation

In this episode of Trading Cards & Collectibles, Ryan Alford is joined by Gordy Bonkers to break down why vintage sports cards are increasingly being viewed as a serious alternative asset class. Gordy explains what separates true investment-grade vintage cards from modern products, why scarcity and historical significance matter more than hype, and how high-end vintage continues to attract long-term collectors and sophisticated investors. The conversation covers iconic players like Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and Ken Griffey Jr., and why their cards still anchor value in today’s market. Ryan and Gordy also dive into grading realities, population reports, PSA 8s vs. 9s, and why gem mint vintage cards rarely change hands. They discuss speculation, gambling-driven behavior in the hobby, the rise of live selling as media, and what newer collectors should understand before entering the vintage market. Whether you’re actively buying vintage, transitioning from modern, or just trying to understand where the hobby is headed, this episode delivers clear, practical insight without the noise. Topics Covered • Why vintage sports cards are gaining investor attention• What drives long-term value in vintage cards• PSA grades, scarcity, and population reports• Vintage vs modern card market dynamics• Entry points for collectors new to vintage• Gambling, speculation, and market psychology• Live selling and content-driven commerce• The future of high-end sports cards About the Guest Gordy Bonkers is a well-known voice in the sports card hobby, focusing on vintage education, market structure, and long-term collecting discipline. He hosts The Gordy Bonker Show on Sports Cards Nonsense and publishes a popular Substack newsletter covering the hobby.  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast" on the Radcast Network, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden discuss how recent sports performances and injuries are impacting trading card values. They share success stories, analyze market trends, and examine the implications of PSA acquiring Beckett Grading Services. The conversation highlights investment strategies, the evolving grading industry, and the importance of brand value, while also inviting listeners to engage with the community and explore the Ludx app for managing collections. TAKEAWAYS Impact of recent sports events on trading card values Notable player performances and their influence on collector interest Investment success stories within the trading card hobby Analysis of specific player card price fluctuations (e.g., Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, Bo Nix) Discussion on the volatility of card values due to player injuries Business implications of PSA's acquisition of Beckett Grading Services The evolving grading industry and its effects on collectors Importance of brand value and legacy in the grading market Challenges of maintaining brand identity during operational scaling Community engagement and promotion of tools for managing collections  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, host Ryan Alford announces the upcoming opening of Collector Station, a new destination hobby store in Easley, South Carolina. Ryan details the store’s unique “retail tainment” concept, featuring a pack bar, drive-through pack pickup, consignment area, live selling, and community events like trade nights. He discusses hands-on store development, industry trends, and the growing mainstream appeal of collectibles, emphasizing Collector Station’s role as a community hub for collectors to connect, trade, and enjoy the hobby together. TAKEAWAYS Development and vision of the new physical store, Collector Station, in Easley, South Carolina. Concept of "retail tainment" blending retail, entertainment, and media. Unique features of Collector Station, including a pack bar and drive-through pack pickup. Community-focused events such as trade nights and live selling opportunities. Integration of technology for card valuation and streamlined buying/selling/trading. Consignment area for local collectors to buy, sell, and trade. Broader trends in the trading card and collectibles industry, including mainstream appeal. Role of major companies like Topps and Fanatics in shaping the market. Emphasis on community engagement and personal connections within the hobby. Future outlook on the collectibles industry and its cultural significance.  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast on the Radcast Network, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden discuss the latest trends in the trading card market, notable sales, and personal collecting stories. Highlights include scanning their millionth V Friends card, market updates on cards like Ken Griffey Jr. 's rookie, and anecdotes about rare finds in storage units and shops. They also touch on business operations, insurance challenges, and announce the launch of the Lorax Lightbox for card photography. The episode wraps up with community shoutouts and tips for staying connected in the hobby.   TAKEAWAYS Discussion of market trends in trading cards and collectibles Notable card sales and their fluctuating values Personal anecdotes about finding valuable cards Business aspects of the trading card hobby, including partnerships and marketing Insights into data analysis related to card values and sales Recent significant sales, including a record-breaking card auction The impact of player performance on card values Challenges faced by card shops, including theft and insurance issues Introduction of new products for card photography and collection management Community engagement and support within the trading card hobby  

SUMMARY In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, host Ryan Alford interviews John Robinson, founder of Resolution Photo Matching. They discuss the rise of photo matching as the gold standard for authenticating game-used memorabilia, detailing the rigorous research process and its impact on the hobby. John Robinson shares insights into their work with sports and non-sports items, including notable matches like Amelia Earhart’s cap. The episode highlights how photo matching builds trust, enhances value, and tells the unique stories behind collectibles, offering collectors greater confidence in their investments.   TAKEAWAYS The significance of photo matching in authenticating game-used memorabilia. The evolution of photo matching as the industry standard since the founding of Resolution Photo Matching. The process and research involved in photo matching items. The impact of photo matching on the value and confidence of collectors and sellers. The growth of interest in photo matching from card manufacturers. The types of items authenticated, including sports memorabilia and non-sports items. The challenges and success rates of matching older versus modern items. The technology used in the photo matching process, including the reliance on human researchers. Unique and historical items that have been authenticated through photo matching. The importance of validation and storytelling in the collectibles market.  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Bryan Ludden discuss recent controversies in the trading card industry, including shill bidding and the "snipe disaster." They share personal stories about card deals, highlight the use of technology like the Luxe app for scanning collections, and analyze market trends for players like Patrick Mahomes, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye. The episode also covers the excitement around new Topps Chrome Basketball releases and updates on Ryan’s upcoming shop opening, offering insights and humor for collectors at every level. TAKEAWAYS Recent controversies in the trading card industry, including the "snipe disaster" and shill bidding on eBay. The impact of technology on managing collections, specifically the use of scanning apps like the Luxe app. Discussion of specific trading cards and players, including Patrick Mahomes, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye. Market dynamics and fluctuations in card values, particularly for popular players. The diversity within the trading card hobby and the various micro-hobbies that exist. Insights into the sales and performance of trading cards, including notable sales and auction strategies. The challenges faced by collectors and investors in the current market. The excitement and unpredictability of ripping packs and the potential for significant finds. Plans for a new trading card shop and its upcoming soft opening. The importance of community and personal experiences in the trading card collecting journey.  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, host Ryan Alford interviews acclaimed sports artist Justyn Farano. They discuss Justin’s artistic journey, his creative process, and the unique value of original sports art in today’s collectibles market. Justin shares insights on balancing technical skill with storytelling, the impact of AI and NFTs, and his ambitions to expand into new subjects and formats. The episode highlights the enduring importance of authenticity and creativity in art, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how meaningful, collectible pieces are created.   TAKEAWAYS Justyn Farano's journey and evolution as a sports artist. The significance of original art in the trading card and collectibles market. The role of creativity and storytelling in art beyond technical skill. The impact of emerging technologies like AI and NFTs on the art world. The value of scarcity and authenticity in original artwork. Justin's artistic process, including subject selection and workflow. The importance of personal connections between collectors and artists. Future ambitions for expanding into various disciplines and partnerships. The distinction between original art and AI-generated content. The personal meaning of collecting beyond monetary value.  

SUMMARY In this special Thanksgiving episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden discuss how holiday traditions and the trading card hobby intersect. They share personal Thanksgiving routines, analyze seasonal trends in card sales, and highlight standout products and players shaping the market. The episode also covers the Mantle Awards, innovative hobby apps, and favorite card shops, while encouraging listeners to share their own holiday collecting stories. The hosts express gratitude for the hobby community and preview upcoming features, making it a festive and insightful listen for collectors.   TAKEAWAYS Thanksgiving-themed trading card and collectibles discussion Hobby-related Thanksgiving traditions among collectors Increased trading card market activity during Thanksgiving and Christmas Impact of football on trading card interests and trends Discussion of notable players and their influence on the trading card market Overview of the Mantle Awards and recognition in the hobby Trends in trading card products and market dynamics The role of hobby shops and unique locations in the trading card community Insights on Pokémon cards and their market position compared to other sports Personal reflections on gratitude and community within the trading card hobby  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast on the Radcast Network, host Ryan Alford interviews DJ Skee about the evolving world of collectibles. DJ Skee shares his journey from music to memorabilia, discusses the importance of authenticity, and explains how collectibles capture cultural moments and personal memories. They explore the intersection of sports, music, and art, highlight the mission of DJ Skee’s company The Realest, and emphasize making the hobby accessible to all collectors. The episode offers insights into trends, nostalgia, and the future of the collectibles industry.   TAKEAWAYS Overview of the collectibles industry, focusing on trading cards and memorabilia. DJ Skee's background and entry into the collectibles market. Discussion on the value and potential of memorabilia compared to trading cards. The intersection of culture, music, and sports in collectibles. The importance of authenticity in memorabilia and the challenges of fraud. The role of storytelling and cultural significance in collectible design. The impact of projects like Topps’ Project 70 on the collectibles market. Emotional connections and nostalgia associated with collectibles. Strategies for making collectibles accessible to a broader audience. Future developments and upcoming projects in the collectibles space.  

SUMMARY In this pre-Thanksgiving episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden discuss the latest trends in the trading card market, including rising and falling player values. Brian shares his experience opening three storage units containing five million cards, uncovering valuable vintage sets. They also talk about the challenges of running a collectibles marketplace, the importance of competition in the industry, and upcoming events like the Chicago Sports Spectacular. The episode highlights the community aspect of collecting and encourages listeners to share their favorite card stories.   TAKEAWAYS Discussion of the trading card market dynamics, including marketplaces and grading volumes. Brian's experience purchasing three storage units containing 5 million trading cards. Discovery of valuable trading card sets, including a full 1971 Topps set. Review of recent market trends, highlighting rising and falling player card values. Notable players experiencing significant value changes, such as Bryce Young and Bo Nix. Impact of injuries and off-field issues on trading card values. Challenges associated with running a trading card marketplace. Importance of competition in the trading card industry for growth and innovation. Upcoming events in the trading card community, including the Chicago Sports Spectacular. Introduction of a new segment for listeners to share personal stories about their favorite cards.  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, host Ryan Alford interviews Dan Jamieson, CEO of Icons.com. Dan shares insights into the global sports memorabilia industry, highlighting Icons.com’s exclusive partnerships with FIFA, UEFA, and top football clubs. He discusses the importance of licensing, scarcity, and authenticity in collectibles, and recounts memorable experiences with legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at building a leading memorabilia business and the passion that connects fans to their favorite athletes through unique, limited-edition items. TAKEAWAYS History and operations of Icons.com, a sports memorabilia company. Dan Jamieson's background and leadership role in the memorabilia business. The global appeal of sports memorabilia and its connection to fans. Importance of licensing agreements with major sports organizations and clubs. The evolution of Icons.com from personal websites to memorabilia focus. Discussion on trading cards and their significance in the memorabilia market. Long-term partnership with Lionel Messi and its impact on the business. The concept of scarcity and its influence on value in collectibles. Challenges faced in acquiring and delivering signed memorabilia, particularly from Diego Maradona. Insights into the future of memorabilia collecting and the growing market in the United States. Start scanning unlimited trading cards for free. Download now in the Apple and Google Play stores qrco.de/trcpodcast

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden welcome industry veteran Brandon Steiner. Together, they discuss the current sports landscape, the entertainment value of NFL broadcasts, and the impact of authentic commentary. Brandon shares insights on autograph quality and market trends, while Brian highlights rising stars in the collectibles market. The episode also explores collaboration within the industry, announces a giveaway winner, and previews upcoming projects. The conversation blends sports analysis, hobby advice, and personal stories, offering listeners a lively and informative look at the intersection of sports and collecting. TAKEAWAYS Current state of various sports seasons, particularly football and baseball NFL's business strategies and entertainment value Importance of quality commentary and storytelling in sports broadcasting Discussion on the collectibles hobby, focusing on autograph quality Market trends in trading cards and rising player values Collaborative spirit within the collectibles industry Personal anecdotes related to sports engagement and collectibles The significance of winning and success in sports beyond championships Community engagement through giveaways and upcoming projects Emphasis on authenticity and integrity in both sports and collectibles Start scanning unlimited trading cards for free. Download now in the Apple and Google Play stores qrco.de/trcpodcast

SUMMARY In this episode of "Trading Cards and Collectibles," host Ryan Alford welcomes Kunal Ahuja, founder of Sports Card Invest. They discuss the evolution of the sports card market, from the pandemic boom to recent, more sustainable growth. Kunal shares insights on balancing high-end and accessible products, the unique appeal of Pokémon cards, and smart investing strategies like buying undervalued players. The conversation highlights the importance of passion, market trends, and community in the collectibles hobby. Listeners also learn where to follow Kunal and Ryan for more tips and updates. TAKEAWAYS Kunal Ahuja's background in sports card collecting and investing. The impact of the pandemic on the sports card market. The evolution of the sports card market over the past 18 months. The shift from speculative buying to more calculated investments in high-end cards. The role of international markets in the growth of sports card collecting. The importance of balancing scarcity and accessibility in card products. The differences between the sports card and Pokémon collecting communities. The challenges faced by companies like Topps in creating popular card inserts. Investment strategies for collectors, including the importance of market trends. The significance of patience and strategic buying in card investing.  

SUMMARY In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, host Ryan Alford welcomes Jacob Eisenberg from NBA Top Shot to discuss the latest digital rookie drops, including highly anticipated one-of-one moments and exclusive player partnerships. They explore the synergy between physical and digital collecting, highlight market growth, and share insights on recent sports events like the Dodgers’ World Series win. Co-host Brian Ludden joins to analyze trends and app data, while listeners are invited to participate in a giveaway and share their favorite collectibles. The episode blends hobby news, market analysis, and community engagement.   TAKEAWAYS The evolving landscape of collectibles, both physical and digital. The upcoming NBA Top Shot release featuring rookie digital collectibles. The significance of scarcity in digital collectibles and its impact on value. Market trends in the collectibles industry, including sales growth statistics. The role of technology in tracking collector behavior and market trends. The impact of major sports events, like the World Series, on collector engagement. The relationship between digital and physical trading cards and their coexistence. Insights into specific rookie players and their collectible moments. The importance of community and engagement in the collectibles space. A listener giveaway related to collectibles and engagement with the audience.

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, host Ryan Alford interviews Mike Baker, a pioneer in card grading and founder of MBA Diamond. Baker discusses his early days at PSA, the challenges of building trust in third-party grading, and how MBA Diamond is innovating with features like heat maps and grader notes for greater transparency. The conversation covers the evolution of the hobby, the importance of transparency, and MBA Diamond’s focus on vintage cards, as well as advice for collectors and graders. TAKEAWAYS Mike Baker's early experiences at PSA and the transition from coin grading to trading card grading. The evolution of the grading process and its impact on the collectibles market. Challenges in building trust with collectors regarding the grading of their cards. The founding and launch of MBA Diamond as a new grading service. The introduction of tiered certification stickers to differentiate card quality. The emphasis on transparency in grading through features like grader notes and heat maps. The current state of MBA Diamond and its partnerships with various platforms. Future plans for MBA Diamond, including scaling operations and enhancing transparency. The types of cards being graded, focusing primarily on vintage cards. The potential for collaboration and innovation within the grading industry. Plus — exciting news! Brian’s company, Ludex, is nominated for Innovation of the Year at The Hobby Awards. Show your support by voting here 👇🗳️ Vote for Ludex: https://thehobbyawards.onmantel.com/innovation-of-the-year  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden discuss the latest trends in the hobby, including rising football card values, new basketball releases, and the impact of live streaming platform Whatnot’s $225 million funding round. They recap recent sports events like the World Series, share a live card rip session, and debate industry sustainability. The hosts also highlight their podcast’s award nomination and encourage listener participation by sharing favorite card pulls. The episode wraps up with updates on upcoming card shop visits and ways to connect with the show.   Plus — exciting news! Brian’s company, Ludex, is nominated for Innovation of the Year at The Hobby Awards. Show your support by voting here 👇🗳️ Vote for Ludex: https://thehobbyawards.onmantel.com/nominees/ludex   TAKEAWAYS Recent market trends in trading cards and collectibles Player card values and notable increases in specific cards Overview of recent sports events, including the World Series Discussion on the performance of players like Ohtani and Ja'Marr Chase Updates on trending football and basketball card releases The impact of live streaming platforms like Whatnot on the collectibles market Comparison of Whatnot's live streaming capabilities to eBay's efforts Insights on industry speculation and sustainability of card prices The significance of innovation and technology in the collectibles hobby Community engagement through sharing personal card stories and experiences

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, host Ryan Alford welcomes memorabilia legend Brandon Steiner to discuss the evolving sports collectibles industry. Brandon shares insights from his decades-long career, highlighting the hobby’s growth, challenges with industry monopolies, and the importance of integrity and education. The conversation covers trends like increased diversity among collectors, the risks of overproduction, and the need to support local card shops. Brandon emphasizes collecting for passion and memories, not just profit, and encourages community, collaboration, and authenticity within the hobby. The episode closes with personal stories and a call for unity. TAKEAWAYS Current state and future of the sports trading card and collectibles hobby Growth and challenges in the collectibles market Importance of education and collaboration within the industry Trends in collector demographics, including younger and female participants Concerns about leadership and distribution practices affecting small collectors and local shops The impact of overproduction and hype on the value of collectibles Advice for collectors on purchasing quality items and avoiding pitfalls The emotional and experiential value of collecting beyond monetary gain Critique of the licensing landscape and monopolistic practices in the industry Encouragement for community engagement and collaboration among collectors and businesses

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden discuss the latest trends in the sports card market, spotlighting the surging popularity of quarterback Drake Maye and the remarkable performance of Shohei Ohtani. They analyze rising card values for players like Matthew Stafford and Daniel Jones, review MLB playoff impacts on collecting, and share thoughts on Topps’ return to basketball cards. The hosts also showcase unique cards from their collections and offer hobby news, providing insights and tips for collectors of all levels. TAKEAWAYS Recent trends in the sports trading card market Rise in popularity and value of quarterback Drake Maye Performance analysis of Shohei Ohtani in Major League Baseball Market movements of quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Daniel Jones Impact of the ongoing MLB playoffs on card values Discussion on the return of Topps' basketball card license Anticipation for new card products and innovations Comparison of card collecting trends between baseball, basketball, and PokémonNotable increases in card values for trending playersInsights on the importance of card scanning apps for collectors

SUMMARY In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles podcast, host Ryan Alford interviews Phill Faust, known as Beard Dad Cards, a well-known figure in the Pokémon card community. Phill  shares his mission to make collecting accessible and scam-free for kids and families, focusing on education and community over personal collecting. He discusses the current Pokémon market, the impact of scalpers, and offers practical advice for newcomers. Phill  also explains how he funds his business through content creation and live streaming at shows, emphasizing the importance of positive interactions and responsible collecting. TAKEAWAYS Phill Faust's approach to making Pokémon card collecting accessible for kids and families. Discussion on avoiding scams in the Pokémon card market. Insights into the current state of the Pokémon card market, including scalpers and product value. Phill Faust's focus on content creation and live streaming rather than personal card collecting. The importance of community support in the Pokémon collecting space. Strategies for newcomers on how to start collecting responsibly. The distinction between sealed and opened products in terms of value. Phill's business model, including funding through content and live events. The balance between online presence and in-person interactions at shows. Recommendations for where to buy Pokémon cards and how to navigate the market.  

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast on the Radcast Network, hosts Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden discuss the booming trading card industry, with Brian reporting live from the Texas Rangers stadium where a new card shop is being built in partnership with the Rangers and Panini. They cover industry trends, digital collecting apps, market values, and share behind-the-scenes insights from a major printing facility. The episode also spotlights sports card market updates, listener stories, and the evolving digital landscape, offering fans an inside look at both the business and excitement of collecting. TAKEAWAYS Overview of the trading cards and collectibles industry size and scope Updates on a new card shop being built at the Texas Rangers stadium The partnership between the Rangers and Panini for the card shop Discussion of the impact of sports events, including MLB playoffs and World Cup matches, on collectibles Trends in rookie quarterback cards and their market performance Insights on the value stability of certain collectibles, like Pokémon cards versus sports cards Analysis of scanning trends on the Lud app and playoff-related card interest Overview of eBay's significant role in the trading card market and its gross merchandise volume Insights from a tour of a major printing facility for trading cards Future plans for the hosts, including studio transitions and personal projects related to collectibles