Sports cards have officially outgrown the label of “just a hobby.”In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford is joined by Alex Giaimo—sports media veteran and the voice behind Netflix’s King of Collectibles—to break down how collectibles, media, and money are colliding in today’s market.Alex shares her journey from traditional sports journalism to the heart of the hobby, why most collectors underestimate volatility, and how a single Bo Nix card sale perfectly captures the risk-reward reality of modern collecting. The conversation explores why nostalgia still wins long-term, how hype cycles burn people out, and what today’s biggest hobby events reveal about where demand is really coming from.Whether you collect for fun, invest for value, or just want a smarter framework, this episode delivers perspective without the hype.Episode HighlightsWhy flipping cards is harder than social media makes it lookThe hidden risks of investing in active playersHow media exposure is accelerating hobby growthFanatics Fest vs. The National: what each says about the futureWhy legacy icons still anchor long-term valueKeep up with Collector Nation👉 Subscribe for more Collector Nation episodes 👉 Comment: Are you collecting for nostalgia or value? 👉 Follow Alex Giaimo: Instagram & TikTok: @alexgiaimo 👉 CollectorNation.com