In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford is joined by Leonard from ONIT to break down one of the biggest questions in the hobby—are we heading toward Junk Wax 2.0?

With rising product prices, an explosion of parallels, and increased print runs, the conversation explores whether scarcity in today’s market is real or manufactured. The guys also dive into why some sports like golf struggle in the card market, despite global popularity.

From Masters collectibles like high-demand gnomes to the global expansion of the hobby, this episode covers both the risks and opportunities shaping the future of collecting.

• Junk Wax 2.0 debate

• Card overproduction & print runs

• The rise (and problem) of parallels

• Topps football release & pricing trends

• Golf cards & lack of nostalgia factor

• Masters gnome collectibles & flipping

• Global demand for cards

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonard_onit

• ONIT Athlete: https://onitathlete.com

• Shop now at onitathlete.com and use code COLLECTORNATION at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!

• RyanIsRight.com

• https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

• https://thecollectornation.com

• https://thecollectorstation.com

What happens when a world-class entrepreneur steps into the hobby? In this episode, Pat Flynn joins Ryan Alford to break down how he turned Pokémon into a platform for storytelling, community, and large-scale experiences.

From launching Deep Pocket Monster to building Card Party, one of the fastest-growing live events in the hobby, Pat shares how business fundamentals—when applied correctly—can unlock massive growth in collecting.

They also explore the current state of the hobby, the challenges of accessibility, and why the future isn’t just about what you collect—but how you connect.

This episode is packed with insights for collectors, creators, and anyone looking to build something meaningful in today’s evolving hobby landscape.

• Pat Flynn’s journey from business to Pokémon collecting

• The rise of Deep Pocket Monster and daily content strategy

• Why Card Party is redefining collector events

• The importance of storytelling and relatability in content

• Market trends and challenges in the hobby today

• How community drives long-term success in collecting

• Balancing passion and business in the hobby 

• YouTube (Deep Pocket Monster): https://www.youtube.com/@DeepPocketMonster

• Website (Smart Passive Income): https://www.smartpassiveincome.com

• Podcast (Smart Passive Income): https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/podcasts/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patflynn

• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/patflynn

• Card Party Events: https://card.party

• Website: https://ryanisright.com

• Collector Nation: https://thecollectornation.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford

• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden break down what’s really happening in the hobby right now—from record-breaking card sales to the surprising resilience of the collectibles market. With over 40 cards already selling for $1M+ this year alone, the question isn’t if the hobby is growing—it’s how fast.

Joined by Executive Producer Bella Shafer, the conversation expands beyond the numbers into real-time perspective—blending shop-level insights, collector behavior, and what’s actually driving momentum across the hobby today.

The group dives into whether the trading card market is truly insulated from a potential recession, why high-end cards continue to outperform, and how passion-driven collectors are shaping long-term value. They also unpack grading trends, undervalued players, and the evolving role of breaking in today’s market.

From Collector Station demand to rapid-fire takes on what to buy, sell, and hold, this episode delivers a full snapshot of where the hobby stands—and where it’s heading next.

• 40+ trading cards selling for over $1M in 2025

• Is the hobby recession-proof or just resilient?

• Why high-end cards outperform during market uncertainty

• Growth in hobby participation and what’s driving it

• PSA vs other grading companies and market share shifts

• Undervalued vs overhyped players in today’s market

• The role of breaking, flipping, and long-term collecting

• Insights from Collector Station and live customer demand

• Rapid-fire: what to buy, sell, and hold right now

Sponsors 

ONIT– Shop now at onitathlete.com and use code COLLECTORNATION at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!

They connect fans and athletes through team-based collectibles. Behind its locally-driven and nationally-relevant products, ONIT creates authentic ways for fans to support the teams and athletes they love.

Ryan Alford

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

• Website: https://ryanisright.com

• Download Collector Nation App on IOS and Android

Brian Ludden (Ludex)

• Website: https://www.ludex.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianludden

• Download Ludex on IOS and Android

Bella Shafer

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/isabellashafer

• Producer, Collector Nation

In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford sits down with Ryan Knowles, founder of Like Father Like Son, to unpack one of the most powerful stories in the hobby today. What started as a way to connect with his son during one of the lowest points of his life turned into a full-blown brand, community, and business built on authenticity and family.

This conversation goes far beyond cards—it’s about resilience, rebuilding, and the unexpected ways the hobby can change your life. From losing a multi-million dollar construction business to going live for the first time with shaking hands, Ryan shares how one simple decision created a ripple effect that’s now taken him across the country.

But at the core of it all is something bigger than money or cards: community. Whether it’s families bonding, kids learning real-world skills, or collectors becoming lifelong friends, this episode highlights why the hobby continues to grow—and why it means so much more than people realize.

If you’ve ever wondered how passion turns into purpose—or how the hobby can become something bigger than collecting—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

• How losing a construction business led to building a hobby brand

• The origin of Like Father Like Son and starting from nothing

• Why the hobby is about connection, not just value

• Turning breaking into a full-time business and brand

• The reality of making money in the hobby vs perception

• Building a loyal community through authenticity and family

• Traveling shows, content creation, and scaling a hobby business

• The balance between business, family, and passion

• Why ripping packs is about experience, not just ROI

Ryan Alford

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

• Website: RyanIsRight.com and www.TheCollectorStation.com

• Download the Collector Nation app of IOS and Android
  

Ryan Knowles (Like Father Like Son)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likefatherlikeson_cards

• YouTube / Whatnot / TikTok: LikeFatherLikeSon

In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden break down what’s really happening across the hobby—from shifting market trends to what’s actually selling inside a real card shop. With Opening Day energy in the air, the conversation moves from sports headlines to the evolving dynamics of collecting in 2026.

Ryan shares insights from running a shop day-to-day, including the surprising dominance of TCG products like Pokémon and how customer behavior is changing. From wax vs. singles to the rise in grading demand, it’s clear the hobby is expanding beyond just traditional sports collectors.

The episode also dives into bigger-picture questions around the industry—are there too many releases, is data helping or hurting collectors, and what trends actually matter long-term? With new products like Bowman U and Pokémon releases hitting the market, the landscape is moving fast.

If you’re trying to understand where the hobby is headed—or just want to stay ahead of what’s hot—this episode gives you a real, unfiltered look at the current state of collecting.

• Opening Day energy and sports hype impacting the hobby

• Inside a real card shop: wax vs. singles and customer behavior

• Pokémon and TCG dominating sales (and why it matters)

• The explosion in grading demand across sports and TCG

• Are there too many product releases in the hobby right now?

• New drops: Bowman U March Madness & Pokémon Perfect Order

• The role of data in collecting—helpful or hurting the fun?

• Market trends, consolidation, and what’s next for grading companies

Sponsors 

ONIT– Shop now at onitathlete.com and use code COLLECTORNATION at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!

They connect fans and athletes through team-based collectibles. Behind its locally-driven and nationally-relevant products, ONIT creates authentic ways for fans to support the teams and athletes they love.

Ryan Alford

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

• Website: TheCollectorNation.com and TheCollectorStation.com

Brian Ludden (Ludex)

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianludden

• Down the Ludex App on IOS and Android

Ryan sits down with UFC featherweight Josh Emmett to explore the mindset, discipline, and structure it takes to compete at the highest level—and how those same principles translate into the trading card world. From mapping out every minute of fight camp to embracing risk inside the octagon, Josh shares what most people don’t understand about elite performance.

They also dive into Josh’s journey as a lifelong collector, from 90s basketball cards to owning his own 1-of-1 rookie cards and building his breaking business, One Punch Cards. The conversation highlights the unique crossover between athletes and collectors, and how the hobby is evolving through live breaks, community, and content.

If you’re into sports, collecting, or building something of your own, this episode blends mindset, nostalgia, and opportunity in a way that only Collector Nation can.

• The real mindset of a UFC fighter

• Discipline, structure, and fight preparation

• From collector to athlete on trading cards

• Josh Emmett’s personal card collection

• Building One Punch Cards on Whatnot & Fanatics Live

• The growth of UFC cards as a market

• Breaking culture and community in the hobby

• Biggest pulls, favorite cards, and collecting strategy

Ryan Alford

• Instagram: @RyanAlford

• Website: thecollectornation.com

Guest: Josh Emmett

• Instagram: @joshemmettufc

• Website: joshemmett.com

• Brand: @onepunchcards

Ryan is joined by Collector Nation executive producer Bella Shafer to break down one of the most talked-about weeks in the hobby. They dive into the controversy surrounding Whatnot and the growing debate over whether live breaking is crossing into gambling—and what potential regulation could mean for collectors and platforms.

The conversation also explores the explosive growth of the trading card market, highlighted by a $5.2 million Aaron Judge card sale and what that kind of jump says about long-term value. Plus, Ryan and Bella touch on March Madness, new product releases, and the evolving culture of collecting as more people enter the space.

If you want a real, unfiltered take on where the hobby is headed, this episode delivers insight, perspective, and a look at what’s coming next.

• Whatnot arbitration complaints explained

• Is breaking gambling or part of the hobby?

• Regulation vs personal responsibility

• $5.2M Aaron Judge card sale breakdown

• Market growth vs traditional investments

• March Madness & sports card relevance

• New releases: Prizm Black, Topps Heritage, Bowman’s Best

• Collector trends & hobby culture

Ryan Alford
Instagram: @RyanAlford
Website: TheCollectorNation.com
App: Collector Nation (iOS & Android)

Bella Shafer
Executive Producer, Collector Nation

Card shows are booming again, and Front Row Card Show has become one of the fastest-growing event circuits in the hobby.

Ryan Alford sits down with founder Dan Bliss to talk about what makes a great card show, how the hobby has evolved, and why their philosophy is simple: keep the cards the hero. Dan shares how his background promoting concerts and large events shaped the way Front Row builds experiences for collectors while still focusing on what matters most — the cards and the community around them.

• Why card shows are experiencing a major resurgence
• Dan Bliss’s journey from flea market vendor to show promoter
• What separates great card shows from average ones
• Why Front Row focuses on the collector experience
• Fanatics Fest and entertainment in the hobby
• Technology gaps in sports card collecting
• The importance of discovery and “the treasure hunt” at shows

Founder — Front Row Card Show

Website: frontrowcardshow.com

Host — Collector Nation

Website: collectornation.com

Collector Nation: Video.TheCollectorNation.com and App is available on iOS & Android

Collector Station: TheCollectorStation.com

In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden dive into the latest conversations shaping the trading card hobby—from real-time card market reactions to grading controversy and one unbelievable break story.

The discussion begins with how big sports performances can quickly move the card market. When a player has a breakout game, collectors often rush to check their collections and list cards before the market cools. Ryan and Brian talk about how tools like collection tracking and inventory management can help collectors move fast when those opportunities appear.

They also unpack a recent PSA controversy involving a high-end graded card that was reportedly damaged during the encapsulation process, sparking debate around grading companies and collector trust. The episode wraps with Ryan sharing one of the craziest hobby stories yet—pulling three Quinn Ewers autograph cards from the same case during a Whatnot break.

• How big sports performances impact card prices
• Why collectors sell cards right after breakout games
• PSA grading controversy and hobby reactions
• The rise of anime cards like One Piece
• Topps Heritage baseball release and hobby nostalgia
• Ryan’s rare Quinn Ewers triple-auto break story

Sponsors 

ONIT– Shop now at onitathlete.com and use code COLLECTORNATION at checkout to receive 15% off your first order!

They connect fans and athletes through team-based collectibles. Behind its locally-driven and nationally-relevant products, ONIT creates authentic ways for fans to support the teams and athletes they love.

Founder & CEO — Ludex

Website: ludex.com

Ludex App Available on iOS & Android

Host — Collector Nation

Website: Video.thecollectornation.com

Collector Station Card Shop: TheCollectorStation.com

Collector Nation App is available on iOS & Android

When most collectors think of value, they think vintage cards, rare sneakers, or signed memorabilia. But what if one of the most accessible — and historically significant — collectibles is more than 2,000 years old?

On this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford sits down with Dean Kinzer, founder of Kinzer Coins, to explore the world of ancient coin collecting — from Constantine the Great and Alexander the Great to Julius Caesar and Roman propaganda.

Dean shares how coins minted in 40 BC and earlier are still surprisingly affordable, how grading through NGC builds trust in the market, and why provenance can make a coin’s story just as powerful as its condition.

They discuss:

• Why Julius Caesar putting his face on a coin marked a turning point in history

• How ancient coins were works of art long before modern minting

• The role of authentication and why trust matters in this niche

• How sports, religion, and empire were reflected directly on currency

• Why owning a 2,400-year-old coin can be a “holy” moment for collectors

Ancient coins aren’t just currency — they’re firsthand messages from civilizations long gone.

Dean Kinzer
Founder & President, Kinzer Coins

Website: https://kinzercoins.com
YouTube: The Ancient Coin Hour
Social Media: @KinzerCoins

Ryan Alford
Website: https://thecollectornation.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford