Collector Nation

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.

🎯 Topics Covered

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.

🤝 Connect with Host & Guests

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.

🎯 Topics Covered

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

🤝 Connect with Host & Guest

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.

🎯 Topics Covered

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.

🤝 Connect with Host & Guest

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.

🎯 Topics Covered

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

🤝 Connect with the Hosts

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.

Topics Covered

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

🤝 Connect with the Hosts

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

Bella Shafer
Executive Producer, Collector Nation