Collector Nation

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Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast is your front-row seat to the stories, strategy, and live action across the entire collectibles universe as the home for the hobby on the Radcast Network. Cards, kicks, vintage, digital collectibles - if it has a story or a market, we cover it. Hosted by marketing disruptor and creator Ryan Alford, each episode blends real market news, on-air pack rips, honest product reviews, and conversations with athletes, investors, creators, and hobby influencers. We even take it live on eBay, selling what we pull so you can follow the journey from pack to purchase. New episodes drop Tuesday and Friday.  Rate and review to help more collectors find the show, and tag us with your hits and hot takes so we can feature you on our Hits of the Week!

  1. Gordy Bonker left Wall Street for THIS: Why Sports Cards Are the Ultimate 'Hidden' Asset Class

    2D AGO

    Gordy Bonker left Wall Street for THIS: Why Sports Cards Are the Ultimate 'Hidden' Asset Class

    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.

    56 min
  2. PSA Acquires Beckett. What This Means For Card Grading And Values

    6D AGO

    PSA Acquires Beckett. What This Means For Card Grading And Values

    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

    31 min
  3. Where Content Meets Collectibles: Building a Card Shop for Creators, Traders, and Fans

    DEC 16

    Where Content Meets Collectibles: Building a Card Shop for Creators, Traders, and Fans

    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.

    28 min
  4. Unexpected Card Price Surges Shake Up The Hobby This Week

    DEC 12

    Unexpected Card Price Surges Shake Up The Hobby This Week

    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

    36 min
  5. The Power of Authenticity: How Resolution Photomatching Quadruples Value

    DEC 9

    The Power of Authenticity: How Resolution Photomatching Quadruples Value

    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.

    47 min
  6. The Probstein Controversy Explained In Minutes | What Collectors Must Know

    DEC 5

    The Probstein Controversy Explained In Minutes | What Collectors Must Know

    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.

    32 min
  7. The UNTOLD Story: Licensing Art for Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods & Muhammad Ali with Justyn Farano

    DEC 2

    The UNTOLD Story: Licensing Art for Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods & Muhammad Ali with Justyn Farano

    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.

    32 min
  8. Thanksgiving Card Rips, NFL Predictions & Hobby News You Need Today

    NOV 28

    Thanksgiving Card Rips, NFL Predictions & Hobby News You Need Today

    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

    39 min
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About

Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast is your front-row seat to the stories, strategy, and live action across the entire collectibles universe as the home for the hobby on the Radcast Network. Cards, kicks, vintage, digital collectibles - if it has a story or a market, we cover it. Hosted by marketing disruptor and creator Ryan Alford, each episode blends real market news, on-air pack rips, honest product reviews, and conversations with athletes, investors, creators, and hobby influencers. We even take it live on eBay, selling what we pull so you can follow the journey from pack to purchase. New episodes drop Tuesday and Friday.  Rate and review to help more collectors find the show, and tag us with your hits and hot takes so we can feature you on our Hits of the Week!

Information

  • Creator
    The Radcast Network
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Radcast® Network
  • Show Website
    Collector Nation

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