Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast
Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast

Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast

The Radcast Network

Overview
Episodes

Details

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!

Recent Episodes

Is Whatnot’s $12B Valuation Real or Hype? Ryan and Brian Break It Down
OCT 31, 2025
Is Whatnot’s $12B Valuation Real or Hype? Ryan and Brian Break It Down
<p dir="ltr"><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Plus &mdash; exciting news! Brian&rsquo;s company, Ludex, is nominated for Innovation of the Year at The Hobby Awards. Show your support by voting here 👇<br>🗳️ Vote for Ludex: <a class="c-link" href="https://thehobbyawards.onmantel.com/nominees/ludex" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://thehobbyawards.onmantel.com/nominees/ludex" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://thehobbyawards.onmantel.com/nominees/ludex</a></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Recent market trends in trading cards and collectibles</li> <li dir="ltr">Player card values and notable increases in specific cards</li> <li dir="ltr">Overview of recent sports events, including the World Series</li> <li dir="ltr">Discussion on the performance of players like Ohtani and Ja'Marr Chase</li> <li dir="ltr">Updates on trending football and basketball card releases</li> <li dir="ltr">The impact of live streaming platforms like Whatnot on the collectibles market</li> <li dir="ltr">Comparison of Whatnot's live streaming capabilities to eBay's efforts</li> <li dir="ltr">Insights on industry speculation and sustainability of card prices</li> <li dir="ltr">The significance of innovation and technology in the collectibles hobby</li> <li dir="ltr">Community engagement through sharing personal card stories and experiences</li> </ul>
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22 MIN
STOP Buying 'Mystery' Boxes: The Industry OG Exposes Your Losing Bet
OCT 28, 2025
STOP Buying 'Mystery' Boxes: The Industry OG Exposes Your Losing Bet
<p dir="ltr"><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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&rsquo;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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Current state and future of the sports trading card and collectibles hobby</li> <li dir="ltr">Growth and challenges in the collectibles market</li> <li dir="ltr">Importance of education and collaboration within the industry</li> <li dir="ltr">Trends in collector demographics, including younger and female participants</li> <li dir="ltr">Concerns about leadership and distribution practices affecting small collectors and local shops</li> <li dir="ltr">The impact of overproduction and hype on the value of collectibles</li> <li dir="ltr">Advice for collectors on purchasing quality items and avoiding pitfalls</li> <li dir="ltr">The emotional and experiential value of collecting beyond monetary gain</li> <li dir="ltr">Critique of the licensing landscape and monopolistic practices in the industry</li> <li dir="ltr">Encouragement for community engagement and collaboration among collectors and businesses</li> </ul>
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26 MIN
The $3,500 Prismatic 'God Pack' That Blew Our Minds (You Won't Believe It)
OCT 21, 2025
The $3,500 Prismatic 'God Pack' That Blew Our Minds (You Won't Believe It)
<p><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>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 Pok&eacute;mon card community. Phill &nbsp;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 Pok&eacute;mon market, the impact of scalpers, and offers practical advice for newcomers. Phill &nbsp;also explains how he funds his business through content creation and live streaming at shows, emphasizing the importance of positive interactions and responsible collecting.</p> <p><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li>Phill Faust's approach to making Pok&eacute;mon card collecting accessible for kids and families.</li> <li>Discussion on avoiding scams in the Pok&eacute;mon card market.</li> <li>Insights into the current state of the Pok&eacute;mon card market, including scalpers and product value.</li> <li>Phill Faust's focus on content creation and live streaming rather than personal card collecting.</li> <li>The importance of community support in the Pok&eacute;mon collecting space.</li> <li>Strategies for newcomers on how to start collecting responsibly.</li> <li>The distinction between sealed and opened products in terms of value.</li> <li>Phill's business model, including funding through content and live events.</li> <li>The balance between online presence and in-person interactions at shows.</li> <li>Recommendations for where to buy Pok&eacute;mon cards and how to navigate the market.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>
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28 MIN
Latest news on trending sports cards, Pokemon, NFL and Major League Baseball Playoffs
OCT 17, 2025
Latest news on trending sports cards, Pokemon, NFL and Major League Baseball Playoffs
<p dir="ltr"><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Overview of the trading cards and collectibles industry size and scope</li> <li dir="ltr">Updates on a new card shop being built at the Texas Rangers stadium</li> <li dir="ltr">The partnership between the Rangers and Panini for the card shop</li> <li dir="ltr">Discussion of the impact of sports events, including MLB playoffs and World Cup matches, on collectibles</li> <li dir="ltr">Trends in rookie quarterback cards and their market performance</li> <li dir="ltr">Insights on the value stability of certain collectibles, like Pok&eacute;mon cards versus sports cards</li> <li dir="ltr">Analysis of scanning trends on the Lud app and playoff-related card interest</li> <li dir="ltr">Overview of eBay's significant role in the trading card market and its gross merchandise volume</li> <li dir="ltr">Insights from a tour of a major printing facility for trading cards</li> <li dir="ltr">Future plans for the hosts, including studio transitions and personal projects related to collectibles</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>
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38 MIN