In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford sits down with Matt Winkelried to explore how modern card shops are evolving beyond traditional retail.

Matt shares his journey from rediscovering the hobby after years away to becoming CEO of one of the most recognizable shops in the space. Along the way, he breaks down how Bleecker Trading has built its brand around community, experience, and customer engagement.

This conversation highlights where the hobby is heading—from the rise of Pokémon and alternative assets to the growing importance of in-person experiences in an increasingly digital world.

• The evolution of modern card shops
• Community-first business models in the hobby
• Pokémon vs sports card trends
• Events, trade nights, and experiential retail
• Cards as entertainment vs investment
• Industry shifts: Fanatics, Topps, and the future

• https://www.instagram.com/bleekertrading
• https://www.instagram.com/mattwinkelried

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

In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford, Brian Ludden, and Bella Shafer take a closer look at the current state of the trading card industry—from allocation challenges to pricing shifts and the evolving role of card shops.

Drawing from firsthand experience at the Topps Conference, the conversation explores how brands like Topps and Fanatics are thinking about growth, distribution, and the future of the hobby.

The team also discusses how technology, data, and platforms like eBay are influencing buying behavior and shaping how collectors engage with the market. As the hobby continues to expand beyond just sports, new opportunities—and challenges—are emerging.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode offers valuable insight into where the hobby is headed and what it takes to stay ahead.

• Topps Conference insights and industry direction
• Allocation challenges and how shops earn inventory
• Pricing trends and secondary market dynamics
• The role of technology and data in collecting
• Growth of the hobby beyond sports cards
• Marketplace evolution and future opportunities

• Ryan Alford – https://www.ryanalford.com
• Brian Ludden (Ludex) – https://www.ludex.com
• Bella Shafer – https://www.instagram.com/isabellashafer

In this episode of Collector Nation, Ryan Alford is joined by grading expert Mike Baker to break down the fundamentals of card grading.

Mike walks through real-world examples to explain how centering, corners, surface, and manufacturing flaws impact a card’s final grade—and why most collectors overestimate their cards. The conversation also covers counterfeits, grading trends, and how to approach submissions more strategically.

Whether you’re new to the hobby or looking to level up your grading knowledge, this episode offers a practical guide to evaluating cards like a pro.

• Basics of card grading
• Key factors: centering, corners, surface
• Why collectors overestimate grades
• Counterfeit vs. altered cards
• Grading modern vs. vintage cards
• Submission strategy and mistakes

• https://www.mbadiamond.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/mikebakerauthenticated

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

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