Episodes

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 parti...

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 sho...

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 the...

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 t...

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, host Ryan Alford interviews Zack Browning (aka Gem Mint Pokemon), a full-time trading card entrepreneur. They discuss the explosive growth and scarcity of Pokémon cards, the nostalgia fueling adult collectors, and the global expansion of the hobby. Zack shares his journey from childhood collecting to launching his own business, emphasizing the importance of collecting for passion over profit. The episode offers advice for n...

SUMMARY In this episode of "Trading Cards and Collectibles," host Ryan Alford interviews Tareq Nazlawy, CEO of Trace, about innovation in sports fandom. They discuss how Trace blends digital and physical collectibles to deepen fan engagement, using examples from tennis and Formula 1. Tareq Nazlawy explains how fans can collect digital “moments” as virtual ticket stubs, making remote participation meaningful. The conversation covers the challenges of innovation, the importance of user experience,...

SUMMARY In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden dive into the biggest headlines and hobby updates shaping the trading card market. The spotlight is on a major announcement: VeeFriends is teaming up with Walmart for exclusive comic releases, in-store events, and special collectibles drops. Andy Krainak, President of VeeFriends, joins the show to share insights on the brand’s mission of positivity, cultural relevance, and long-term impact on the ...

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews Jeremy Aisenberg, founder of Talent Brand Labs and lifelong sports card enthusiast. Jeremy shares his journey in the hobby, discusses the evolution of trading cards from the 1980s to today, and explores how collecting blends fandom, business, and innovation. The conversation covers industry changes, the impact of grading and digital trends, and Jeremy’s work launching SI.com Collectibles. Listene...

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast on the Radcast Network, host Ryan Alford welcomes Brian Ludden, co-founder of Ludex, as his new co-host. They discuss the evolution of the trading card hobby, the impact of technology like the Ludex app, and the importance of community among collectors. Brian shares insights into market trends and the app’s features, while both hosts highlight how collecting connects people of all ages. The episode wraps up with an invitatio...

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews Matty Rich, a respected trading card store owner and Topps dealer from South Carolina. They discuss Matty’s journey from online breaking to retail, the importance of creating a welcoming community for collectors—especially kids—and the evolving landscape of the hobby, including digital collectibles. Matty emphasizes treating every customer with respect and fostering positive experiences, while sh...

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews Jason Koonce, founder and CEO of One Team International Agency. Jason shares his journey from childhood collector to industry leader, discussing the evolution of the sports card hobby, the impact of technology, grading, and live shopping platforms like Whatnot. The conversation explores market trends, the rise of repacks, and the importance of balancing business with family. Jason offers advice f...

SUMMARY In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, host Ryan Alford sits down with Kris Dehnert, CEO of Dugout Mugs, to share the incredible story behind turning baseball bats into collectible mugs and building a multi-million-dollar memorabilia brand. Kris dives into the origin of Dugout Mugs, how collaborations with MLB legends like Pete Rose and The Sandlot cast fueled growth, and the role of innovation, customization, and relationships in shaping a successful collectibles...

🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast , host Ryan Alford sits down with Josh Luber , co-founder of StockX and Ghost , to talk about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of the collectibles market. Josh shares how StockX disrupted the sneaker and trading card industries by applying stock market-style mechanics like bid-ask pricing and authentication. He also dives into his latest venture, Ghost , a customizable collectible toy brand that’s captur...

SUMMARY In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, host Ryan Alford welcomes Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) to discuss the VeeFriends trading card series with Topps Chrome and the evolving world of collecting. Gary shares the inspiration behind VeeFriends, how digital and physical collectibles can coexist, and why the hobby is more than just investment—it’s about community, storytelling, and family connections. From NFTs to the post-COVID market shift, Gary offers insights into w...

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews artist Tom Fallos, known as "The Card Carver." Tom shares his journey from facing skepticism to gaining recognition for his unique trading card art, which involves cutting, reassembling, and digital design. They discuss Tom’s creative process, upcoming collaborations, and the booming collectibles market. Tom also reveals plans to release exclusive memorabilia pieces and framed art. The episode bl...

SUMMARY In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews Kyle Kravitz, the "King of Kards." Kyle shares his journey from passionate collector to influential content creator and entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges of balancing business, personal connections, and brand-building in the sports card hobby. Kyle reflects on the emotional rewards of community impact, the importance of authenticity, and the excitement of card shows. He also offers insigh...

SUMMARY In this episode of "Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast" host Ryan Alford welcomes Mike Gioseffi, "the voice of the hobby," for an in-depth discussion on the evolving world of sports cards and collectibles. They explore the hobby’s transformation due to rising prices, breaking culture, and new audiences, including the growing influence of Pokémon. The episode blends market insights, personal stories, and a live pack-opening segment, emphasizing authenticity, community, and the joy of co...