Josh Luber on Fanatics, Trading Cards & the Future of Collecting | Hosted by Ryan Alford
🎙️ Episode Summary
In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, host Ryan Alford sits down with Josh Luber, co-founder of StockX and Ghost, to talk about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of the collectibles market. Josh shares how StockX disrupted the sneaker and trading card industries by applying stock market-style mechanics like bid-ask pricing and authentication. He also dives into his latest venture, Ghost, a customizable collectible toy brand that’s capturing attention with blind box formats, rare variants, and long-term collectability.
This conversation explores the psychology of collecting, the educational value for kids, market challenges, and the cultural significance of collectibles—from sneakers to trading cards to toys. Whether you’re a collector, entrepreneur, or fan of pop culture, this episode delivers insights into how collectibles connect communities and shape culture.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Josh Luber’s journey: From childhood collector to co-founding StockX and Ghost.
StockX revolution: How bid-ask pricing, authentication, and standardization changed the marketplace.
Trading cards challenges: Why liquidity and standardization make them tougher than sneakers.
Ghost’s innovation: Blind box collectibles, player personas, and cultural storytelling.
Education through collecting: Teaching kids supply, demand, and financial literacy.
Market insights: State of the trading card hobby, Fanatics’ role, and the psychology of collecting.
Future of collectibles: Where sneakers, cards, and toys fit into culture and commerce.
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1:00:21
Gary Vaynerchuk on Why Trading Cards Are the Ultimate Investment Opportunity | Hosted by Ryan Alford
SUMMARY
In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, host Ryan Alford welcomes Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) to discuss the VeeFriends trading card series with Topps Chrome and the evolving world of collecting.
Gary shares the inspiration behind VeeFriends, how digital and physical collectibles can coexist, and why the hobby is more than just investment—it’s about community, storytelling, and family connections. From NFTs to the post-COVID market shift, Gary offers insights into where trading cards are headed and how collecting can teach kids responsibility, patience, and life skills.
Whether you’re a longtime collector, an entrepreneur, or a parent introducing your kids to the hobby, this conversation delivers powerful lessons on business, creativity, and meaningful relationships.
Key Takeaways:
Gary Vee’s journey with VeeFriends & Topps Chrome
How NFTs are shaping the collectibles market
The emotional value of collecting for parents and kids
Post-COVID trends in the trading card hobby
Why storytelling and intellectual property fuel Gary’s projects
The future vision for VeeFriends as a cultural movement
🔗 Explore more at veefriends.com
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25:07
Tom Fallos (The Card Carver) brings LUXURY NOSTALGIA to his craft by SCARCITY | Hosted by Ryan Alford
SUMMARY
In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews artist Tom Fallos, known as "The Card Carver." Tom shares his journey from facing skepticism to gaining recognition for his unique trading card art, which involves cutting, reassembling, and digital design. They discuss Tom’s creative process, upcoming collaborations, and the booming collectibles market. Tom also reveals plans to release exclusive memorabilia pieces and framed art. The episode blends industry news, personal stories, and creative inspiration, highlighting how Tom’s innovative approach is reshaping the trading card hobby.
TAKEAWAYS
Tom Fallos' journey and creative process in trading card art.
The unique artistic methods of cutting and reassembling trading cards.
The blending of sports, pop culture, and nostalgia in Tom's artwork.
The importance of persistence and community engagement in the art world.
The significance of maintaining scarcity in limited edition art pieces.
The intersection of sports, music, fashion, and art in contemporary culture.
The challenges of being a solo artist managing all aspects of a business.
The impact of high-profile sales on the trading card market.
Current trends and statistics in the trading card industry, including Pokémon's dominance.
The personal connection and emotional resonance of art with collectors.
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UnKommon take on Collectibles, Community & the Future of Trading Cards | Kyle Kravitz "King of the Kards" Interview | Hosted by Ryan Alford
SUMMARY
In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews Kyle Kravitz, the "King of Kards." Kyle shares his journey from passionate collector to influential content creator and entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges of balancing business, personal connections, and brand-building in the sports card hobby. Kyle reflects on the emotional rewards of community impact, the importance of authenticity, and the excitement of card shows. He also offers insights into upcoming events, his brand "Hobbyist," and the evolving landscape of card collecting across generations.
TAKEAWAYS
Kyle Kravitz's journey from sports card collector to content creator and entrepreneur.
The challenges of sharing personal experiences on social media and the initial discomfort of content creation.
The balance between collecting for personal enjoyment and running a business in the card collecting space.
The generational appeal of card collecting and its resurgence due to nostalgia and technology.
The tension between genuine collecting and the trend of flipping cards for profit among younger collectors.
The importance of taking calculated risks in the hobby and business.
Personal stories about favorite cards and the emotional connections they represent.
The significance of community and relationships in the card collecting hobby.
The impact of authenticity and transparency in business practices within the collecting community.
Future plans for expanding the Hobbyist brand and its initiatives in the card collecting space.
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54:20
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54:20
Real Talk with Gio (Mike Gioseffi) - the Voice of the Hobby on Sports Card Nonsense
SUMMARY
In this episode of "Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford welcomes Mike Gioseffi, "the voice of the hobby," for an in-depth discussion on the evolving world of sports cards and collectibles. They explore the hobby’s transformation due to rising prices, breaking culture, and new audiences, including the growing influence of Pokémon. The episode blends market insights, personal stories, and a live pack-opening segment, emphasizing authenticity, community, and the joy of collecting. Listeners are encouraged to engage, share their own hits, and celebrate the passion that unites collectors of all backgrounds.
TAKEAWAYS
Focus on the collectibles hobby, particularly sports cards, sneakers, Pokémon, and memorabilia.Host's background as a longtime collector and experience in marketing and business.
Emphasis on delivering authentic and fresh perspectives in the collectibles space.
Interview with a prominent figure in the sports card community discussing their journey and insights.
Discussion on the evolution of the hobby, including the impact of money and new participants.
Exploration of the phenomenon of "breaking" and its effects on the market and community.
Analysis of the changing economics of collecting, including rising prices and market expectations.
Consideration of diversity and inclusion within the hobby, particularly regarding female collectors.
Examination of the role of brands, sponsorships, and competition among card manufacturers.
Highlighting the importance of community, authenticity, and adaptability in the evolving collectibles landscape.
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!
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