STOP Buying 'Mystery' Boxes: The Industry OG Exposes Your Losing Bet
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
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26:53
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26:53
Shohei Ohtani Cards Are Breaking The Hobby. Is He The Greatest Collectible Ever?
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
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34:47
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34:47
The $3,500 Prismatic 'God Pack' That Blew Our Minds (You Won't Believe It)
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.
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28:39
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28:39
Latest news on trending sports cards, Pokemon, NFL and Major League Baseball Playoffs
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
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38:45
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38:45
Pikachu Beats Athletes: The Secret Reason Pokemon Value Crushes Sports Cards
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 new collectors, insights into grading and market trends, and highlights the community aspect that keeps the hobby thriving.
TAKEAWAYS
The rise in popularity and scarcity of Pokémon cards.
Nostalgia driving adult collectors, particularly those in their 30s and 40s.
The impact of globalization on the trading card market.
The balance of supply and demand in the trading card industry.
The significance of artwork in attracting collectors.
The role of grading in standardizing card values.
The transition from a traditional career to a full-time hobby business.
The importance of community and shared experiences in collecting.
Advice for new collectors on focusing on personal interests rather than market trends.
The distinction between collecting for passion versus investment.
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.
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