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

Unexpected Card Price Surges Shake Up The Hobby This Week
DEC 12, 2025
Unexpected Card Price Surges Shake Up The Hobby This Week
<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 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.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Discussion of market trends in trading cards and collectibles</li> <li dir="ltr">Notable card sales and their fluctuating values</li> <li dir="ltr">Personal anecdotes about finding valuable cards</li> <li dir="ltr">Business aspects of the trading card hobby, including partnerships and marketing</li> <li dir="ltr">Insights into data analysis related to card values and sales</li> <li dir="ltr">Recent significant sales, including a record-breaking card auction</li> <li dir="ltr">The impact of player performance on card values</li> <li dir="ltr">Challenges faced by card shops, including theft and insurance issues</li> <li dir="ltr">Introduction of new products for card photography and collection management</li> <li dir="ltr">Community engagement and support within the trading card hobby</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>
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36 MIN
The Power of Authenticity: How Resolution Photomatching Quadruples Value
DEC 9, 2025
The Power of Authenticity: How Resolution Photomatching Quadruples Value
<p dir="ltr"><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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&rsquo;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.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">The significance of photo matching in authenticating game-used memorabilia.</li> <li dir="ltr">The evolution of photo matching as the industry standard since the founding of Resolution Photo Matching.</li> <li dir="ltr">The process and research involved in photo matching items.</li> <li dir="ltr">The impact of photo matching on the value and confidence of collectors and sellers.</li> <li dir="ltr">The growth of interest in photo matching from card manufacturers.</li> <li dir="ltr">The types of items authenticated, including sports memorabilia and non-sports items.</li> <li dir="ltr">The challenges and success rates of matching older versus modern items.</li> <li dir="ltr">The technology used in the photo matching process, including the reliance on human researchers.</li> <li dir="ltr">Unique and historical items that have been authenticated through photo matching.</li> <li dir="ltr">The importance of validation and storytelling in the collectibles market.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>
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46 MIN
The Probstein Controversy Explained In Minutes | What Collectors Must Know
DEC 5, 2025
The Probstein Controversy Explained In Minutes | What Collectors Must Know
<p dir="ltr"><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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&rsquo;s upcoming shop opening, offering insights and humor for collectors at every level.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Recent controversies in the trading card industry, including the "snipe disaster" and shill bidding on eBay.</li> <li dir="ltr">The impact of technology on managing collections, specifically the use of scanning apps like the Luxe app.</li> <li dir="ltr">Discussion of specific trading cards and players, including Patrick Mahomes, Caleb Williams, and Drake Maye.</li> <li dir="ltr">Market dynamics and fluctuations in card values, particularly for popular players.</li> <li dir="ltr">The diversity within the trading card hobby and the various micro-hobbies that exist.</li> <li dir="ltr">Insights into the sales and performance of trading cards, including notable sales and auction strategies.</li> <li dir="ltr">The challenges faced by collectors and investors in the current market.</li> <li dir="ltr">The excitement and unpredictability of ripping packs and the potential for significant finds.</li> <li dir="ltr">Plans for a new trading card shop and its upcoming soft opening.</li> <li dir="ltr">The importance of community and personal experiences in the trading card collecting journey.</li> <li>&nbsp;</li> </ul>
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31 MIN
The UNTOLD Story: Licensing Art for Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods & Muhammad Ali with Justyn Farano
DEC 2, 2025
The UNTOLD Story: Licensing Art for Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods & Muhammad Ali with Justyn Farano
<p dir="ltr"><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles" podcast, host Ryan Alford interviews acclaimed sports artist Justyn Farano. They discuss Justin&rsquo;s artistic journey, his creative process, and the unique value of original sports art in today&rsquo;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.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Justyn Farano's journey and evolution as a sports artist.</li> <li dir="ltr">The significance of original art in the trading card and collectibles market.</li> <li dir="ltr">The role of creativity and storytelling in art beyond technical skill.</li> <li dir="ltr">The impact of emerging technologies like AI and NFTs on the art world.</li> <li dir="ltr">The value of scarcity and authenticity in original artwork.</li> <li dir="ltr">Justin's artistic process, including subject selection and workflow.</li> <li dir="ltr">The importance of personal connections between collectors and artists.</li> <li dir="ltr">Future ambitions for expanding into various disciplines and partnerships.</li> <li dir="ltr">The distinction between original art and AI-generated content.</li> <li dir="ltr">The personal meaning of collecting beyond monetary value.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>
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31 MIN
Thanksgiving Card Rips, NFL Predictions & Hobby News You Need Today
NOV 28, 2025
Thanksgiving Card Rips, NFL Predictions & Hobby News You Need Today
<p dir="ltr"><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>TAKEAWAYS</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Thanksgiving-themed trading card and collectibles discussion</li> <li dir="ltr">Hobby-related Thanksgiving traditions among collectors</li> <li dir="ltr">Increased trading card market activity during Thanksgiving and Christmas</li> <li dir="ltr">Impact of football on trading card interests and trends</li> <li dir="ltr">Discussion of notable players and their influence on the trading card market</li> <li dir="ltr">Overview of the Mantle Awards and recognition in the hobby</li> <li dir="ltr">Trends in trading card products and market dynamics</li> <li dir="ltr">The role of hobby shops and unique locations in the trading card community</li> <li dir="ltr">Insights on Pok&eacute;mon cards and their market position compared to other sports</li> <li dir="ltr">Personal reflections on gratitude and community within the trading card hobby</li> <li>&nbsp;</li> </ul>
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38 MIN