Podcast
Collector Nation
Hosted by Collector Nation · EN
Collector Nation is where trading cards and collectibles evolve from a hobby into culture, media, and a modern asset class.
Hosted by Ryan Alford, the show goes beyond box rips and price charts to explore why the hobby is exploding, who is shaping it, and where it’s headed next. From vintage grails to modern heat, grading, market cycles, storytelling, and fandom—Collector Nation sits at the intersection of collectibles, entertainment, and business.
Every Friday, Brian Ludden, CEO of Ludex, joins the conversation, bringing a tech-first, data-driven perspective on pricing, platforms, and the infrastructure powering the modern hobby.
If you believe trading cards are more than cardboard—and collectibles are becoming media, community, and opportunity—this is your home.
Welcome to Collector Nation.
United in the chase.
99episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
CEO of ONIT Athlete on the Future of College Sports Cards | Live at The National
3d ago00:28:09Summary readyCollege sports cards are entering one of the most exciting periods the hobby has ever seen—and Evan Parker believes we’re just getting started.Recorded live from the VIP Lounge at The National Sports Collectors Convention, Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden sit down with the CEO of Onit and co-founder of Mantle to discuss how NIL has transformed the trading card industry and why college athletes are becoming one of the hobby’s biggest opportunities.Evan shares how Onit is building officially licensed college trading cards that feature entire teams—not just future professional stars—while creating meaningful collectibles for athletes who may never receive another licensed card. The conversation also explores the importance of collector community, what Evan learned from helping build Mantle, and why expanding into women’s sports and other underserved markets could help bring a new generation of collectors into the hobby.The group also discusses what makes a premium trading card, why Onit remains committed to licensed, on-card autographs, and how collector feedback continues to shape the company’s products. Whether you’re prospecting tomorrow’s biggest stars, collecting your alma mater, or simply curious where the hobby is headed next, this episode offers an inside look at one of the fastest-growing segments in sports cards.Topics Covered• The future of college sports cards and NIL• Building Onit into a premium licensed trading card brand• Why collector community matters more than ever• What Evan learned from creating Mantle• On-card autographs vs. sticker autos• Growing the hobby through women’s sports and new collectors• Trends from The National Sports Collectors Convention• What’s next for Onit and the college card marketConnect with Ryan Alford & Today’s GuestRyan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/Evan Parker https://www.linkedin.com/in/evaneparkerOnit Athlete https://onitathlete.com/The National Sports Collectors Convention https://nsccshow.com/Collector Nation https://thecollectornation.com/If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Collector Nation on your favorite podcast platform, leave a five-star rating and review, and share this episode with a fellow collector. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations with the people shaping the future of sports cards and collectibles.
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Opening The National: Live From the Main Stage With the Hobby’s Biggest Names
1w ago01:19:33Summary readyCollector Nation opens the 46th Annual National Sports Collectors Convention live from the Mike Berkus Memorial Stage. Ryan Alford and Jeremy Levine bring together Steve “Greenie” Greenberg, Ty Wilson, Mike Baker, Brian Ludden and Tyler “T-Pott” Nethercott for a special series of conversations from the center of the hobby.The lineup explores how collectors find overlooked cards, why grading remains inconsistent, how modern counterfeits are evolving and what technology can do to make the market more transparent. Mike Baker takes listeners inside the grading process, while Brian and T-Pott examine the data, pricing tools and artificial intelligence influencing the next generation of collectors.From storytelling and hobby media to authentication, liquidity and market value, this episode captures the personalities and ideas driving the modern sports card industry.Topics CoveredOpening The National from the Mike Berkus Memorial StageThe evolution of sports card mediaChasing overlooked cards and collectionsTransparency in sports card gradingCounterfeit and altered modern cardsAI-assisted grading and authenticationLUDEX and collector scanning technologyPricing data and Market MoversThe growing business behind the hobbyWhat comes next for collectorsConnect With the LineupCollector Nation and Ryan Alfordhttps://thecollectornation.com/ https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ https://thecollectorstation.com/Mike Baker and MBAhttps://grading.mba/ https://www.instagram.com/grading.mba/Brian Ludden and LUDEXhttps://www.ludex.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianluddenTy Wilson and Chasing Cardboardhttps://chasingcardboardtv.com/ https://www.instagram.com/chasingtywilson/ https://www.instagram.com/breakerculture/Tyler “T-Pott” Nethercotthttps://www.sportscardinvestor.com/ https://www.marketmoversapp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tpotts_cards/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylernethercottSteve “Greenie” Greenberghttps://greeniesportscards.com/ https://www.instagram.com/greeniesportscards/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegreenbergsportscardsJeremy Levine and BIGPLAYhttps://www.bigplay.com/pages/collectibles https://greeniesportscards.com/greenie-teamThe Nationalhttps://www.nsccshow.com/
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The Sports Card Market Is Surging: Mike Gioseffi on Wax Prices, Live Selling & The National
1w ago00:48:27Summary readyMike Gioseffi, host of Sports Cards Nonsense, returns one year after helping launch Collector Nation to compare notes with Ryan Alford on a hobby that has changed dramatically. Together, they explore whether the sports card market is becoming dangerously expensive or simply entering a healthier growth cycle supported by deeper sales volume.Ryan shares the realities of building a card shop without direct allocation, while Mike explains why Sports Cards Nonsense shifted toward singles, eBay Live and original content. They also debate Topps and Fanatics, wax pricing, big-box hobby stores, live-selling saturation, Fanatics Fest versus The National, and what hobby media must do next.The episode closes with Mike’s rapid-fire buys, avoids, collecting regrets and a grading-company price discrepancy that long-term collectors may want to investigate.Topics coveredThe current state of the sports card marketWhether card prices are becoming unsustainableBuilding a successful card shop without allocationTopps, Fanatics and the future of licensed productsWhy collectors are frustrated with wax pricingSports Cards Nonsense’s move into singlesThe growth and saturation of live sellingFanatics Fest and The NationalMike’s most painful card salePlayer markets to buy, avoid and monitorSGC, BGS and PSA price disparitiesThe future of sports card mediaCONNECT WITH MIKE GIOSEFFI / SPORTS CARDS NONSENSESports Cards Nonsense Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-cards-nonsense/id1531538073Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsenseeBay Store and Live Shows:https://www.ebay.com/str/collectingonsiCONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD / COLLECTOR NATIONCollector Nation:https://thecollectornation.com/Watch Collector Nation:https://video.thecollectornation.com/Ryan Alford on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford
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The National Survival Guide: Trade Night, VIP Access, the LUDEX Map and Hobby News
2w ago00:59:11Summary readyRyan Alford, Bella Shafer, and LUDEX founder and CEO Brian Ludden deliver a practical survival guide for navigating The National Sports Collectors Convention. From where to stay and eat to Trade Night, VIP events, transportation, comfortable shoes, and late-night hotel trading, Brian explains how to experience the show without wasting valuable time.The conversation also explores Fanatics Fest’s growing influence, the story-driven value of modern cards, PSA’s on-site grading options, and why major retailers continue expanding deeper into the hobby. Ryan and Bella review new releases from Topps and Pokémon before ripping Topps Signature Basketball and landing a Dylan Harper Pure insert numbered to 50.It’s a mix of NSCC preparation, hobby analysis, pack ripping, and honest collector conversation designed for anyone headed to The National—or wondering why the event has become the center of the collecting world.TOPICS COVEREDWhy Fanatics Fest and The National serve different collectorsHow major hobby events expand the entire collectibles marketBrian’s favorite Rosemont restaurants and hotelsWhy Trade Night is a must-attend experienceUsing the LUDEX interactive map to plan your visitVIP lounge events and Collector Nation’s live coverageTransportation and scheduling advice for first-time attendeesPSA grading at The NationalTopps and Pokémon release overloadThe value of 1990s basketball inserts and Kobe Bryant rookiesTopps Signature Basketball product reviewThe Dylan Harper /50 pullCONNECT WITH BRIAN LUDDEN & LUDEXLUDEX: https://www.ludex.com/LUDEX interactive NSCC map: https://www.ludex.com/links/Download LUDEX: https://www.ludex.com/msadsps/Brian Ludden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianluddenLUDEX on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp/CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD & COLLECTOR NATIONCollector Nation: https://thecollectornation.com/Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/
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Chasing Cardboard: Stories, Reselling, and the Hunt for Hidden Cards
2w ago00:56:30Summary readyTy Wilson, host of Chasing Cardboard, joins Ryan Alford on Collector Nation for a conversation about finding forgotten sports-card collections and turning collection buying into a sustainable business. Ty explains how the show evolved from a rejected television pitch into a successful independent series that uses sports cards as the doorway into deeper human stories.Ryan and Ty discuss how buyers evaluate collections, identify missing cards, manage inventory risk, and determine a fair offer when the final value is still unknown. Ty explains why experience, reputation, workload, and sell-through rate matter more than simply adding up recent online comps.The episode also explores the strength of the current hobby market, the impact of wealthy buyers moving money into grail cards, and the difficulty of building a business around low-end, heavily printed products. Ty closes by sharing the players, vintage cards, 1990s inserts, and in-person autographs he believes collectors should be watching.At its core, Ryan and Ty’s conversation is about doing the work, treating people fairly, and recognizing that every collection carries a story beyond its market value.Topics coveredThe creation and growth of Chasing CardboardStorytelling through sports-card collectionsBuying collections sight unseenDetecting incomplete or cherry-picked collectionsJunk wax and unexpected discoveriesEvaluating a seller and the circumstances of a dealFair offers versus full retail valueCollection-buying marginsInventory velocity and sell-through rateResellers, collectors, and hobby economicsInstitutional buyers and alternative assetsUndervalued modern stars and vintage legendsRyan Alford and Ty Wilson on growing through contentChasing Cardboard https://chasingcardboardtv.com/ https://www.youtube.com/chasingcardboard https://www.instagram.com/chasingcardboardtv/ https://linktr.ee/chasingcardboardTy Wilson https://www.instagram.com/chasingtywilson/ https://www.youtube.com/@ChasingTyWilsonRyan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/Are you a Hobby Content Creator? Join Collector Nation Today! https://thecollectornation.com/creators Collector Station https://thecollectorstation.com/
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Ryan’s Card Luck Is Getting Ridiculous: Crazy autos, Low Numbers, and PSA Grades
3w ago00:45:36Summary readyRyan Alford and Bella Shafer are back with a packed Collector Nation weekly episode covering their first PSA submission, recent monster pulls, and everything happening before The National. They review grades and values for cards featuring LeBron James, Caleb Williams, Tetairoa McMillan, Damian Lillard, and Pokémon. The conversation also covers a Travis Hunter one-of-one valued around $3,000 that was pulled from a box purchased at Collector Station. Ryan shares several cards he may bring to The National, including a Cooper Flagg parallel, an Atlanta Falcons triple auto, Ashton Jeanty, Jalen Milroe, Justin Jefferson, Julian Sayin, and a rare Bo Jackson variation. Ryan and Bella discuss Fanatics Fest, Victor Wembanyama’s contract, NBA Summer League, Shohei Ohtani’s record card sale, and whether hobby boxes now offer a better experience than retail products. They close with National preparation, listener giveaways, and an invitation for hobby creators to join the upcoming Collector Nation platform. Topics coveredRyan and Bella’s first PSA returnPSA grading, populations, and card valuesTravis Hunter’s one-of-one Topps Chrome Black cardRyan’s latest basketball and football pullsHobby boxes versus retail productsVictor Wembanyama and Summer League card interestShohei Ohtani’s record-breaking card saleFanatics Fest and The NationalSelling and trading cards at The NationalCollector Nation giveawaysCreator opportunities on the Collector Nation appLinksAre you a Hobby Content Creator? Join Collector Nation Today! https://thecollectornation.com/creators Collector Station https://thecollectorstation.com/Ryan Alford https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/Bella Shafer https://www.instagram.com/isabellashafer/Ludex https://www.ludex.com/
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A Collector’s Guide to Vintage Cards Before The National | Gordy Bonkers
3w ago00:50:22Summary readyGordy Bonkers joins Ryan Alford on Collector Nation for a deep dive into the vintage sports card market and what collectors should be watching before The National. Gordy shares how more deals are now finding him through his content and why reputation, trust, and consistency matter when buying and selling high-end cards.Ryan and Gordy break down the strength of the vintage market, including Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente. Gordy explains why he believes vintage cards remain one of the safest places in the hobby, especially compared to more speculative areas of the market.The episode also covers PSA grading issues, how grading delays are changing the vintage dealer model, and why Gordy is skeptical of the current Pokemon boom. Ryan and Gordy close with practical advice for buying vintage at The National, negotiating with dealers, setting a budget, and making the most of the show without getting overwhelmed.Topics CoveredGordy Bonkers’ latest vintage card dealsWhy reputation matters in high-end card buyingVintage cards as an alternative asset classMickey Mantle and the strength of the vintage marketPSA grading slowdowns and dealer challengesPokemon speculation and sealed productHank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, and Mantle buying targetsHow to negotiate vintage cards at The NationalWhat not to expect from dealers at card showsRyan Alford and Gordy Bonkers on building trust in the hobbyLinksCollector Nationhttps://www.collectibles.show/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782Ryan Alfordhttps://www.ryanalford.com/https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/Gordy Bonkers / Bonkers Cardshttps://bonkerscards.substack.com/https://bonkerscards.co/https://www.instagram.com/bonkerscards/https://www.youtube.com/@bonkerscardsGordy Bonkers joins Ryan Alford on Collector Nation for a deep dive into the vintage sports card market and what collectors should be watching before The National. Gordy shares how more deals are now finding him through his content and why reputation, trust, and consistency matter when buying and selling high-end cards.Ryan and Gordy break down the strength of the vintage market, including Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Roberto Clemente. Gordy explains why he believes vintage cards remain one of the safest places in the hobby, especially compared to more speculative areas of the market.The episode also covers PSA grading issues, how grading delays are changing the vintage dealer model, and why Gordy is skeptical of the current Pokemon boom. Ryan and Gordy close with practical advice for buying vintage at The National, negotiating with dealers, setting a budget, and making the most of the show without getting overwhelmed.Topics CoveredGordy Bonkers’ latest vintage card dealsWhy reputation matters in high-end card buyingVintage cards as an alternative asset classMickey Mantle and the strength of the vintage marketPSA grading slowdowns and dealer challengesPokemon speculation and sealed productHank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, and Mantle buying targetsHow to negotiate vintage cards at The NationalWhat not to expect from dealers at card showsRyan Alford and Gordy Bonkers on building trust in the hobbyLinksCollector Nationhttps://www.collectibles.show/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782Ryan Alfordhttps://www.ryanalford.com/https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/Gordy Bonkers / Bonkers Cardshttps://bonkerscards.substack.com/https://bonkerscards.co/https://www.instagram.com/bonkerscards/https://www.youtube.com/@bonkerscards
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Keep, Sell, or Trade? Cards Getting Hot Before The National
4w ago00:43:57Summary readyRyan Alford, Brian Ludden, and Bella Shafer are back on Collector Nation with a weekly hobby episode covering World Cup card movement, Topps Chrome Cactus Jack Basketball, Ryan’s latest Cooper Flagg pull, and what collectors should watch before The National. Ryan shares the cards he may bring to sell or trade, including a Cooper Flagg on-card auto, Trevor Lawrence, Cam Ward, Jackson Dart, and other cards that could become trade bait for vintage icons.The conversation moves through World Cup excitement, Messi and Haaland card movement, the popularity of soccer cards, and how big sports moments continue to shape short-term hobby demand. From there, the crew talks Ohtani’s latest milestone, LeBron speculation, NBA free agency, and which NFL quarterbacks could be worth buying, holding, or selling before preseason.Brian also gives practical National advice, including transportation planning, VIP lounge expectations, and how collectors can use the Ludex interactive map to plan booths and notes ahead of time. This episode is a mix of market watch, personal collection strategy, and National prep from three voices living inside the hobby every week.Topics CoveredWorld Cup soccer cards and international hobby momentumMessi, Haaland, and soccer card spikesTopps Chrome Cactus Jack BasketballRyan’s Cooper Flagg on-card auto pullCards Ryan may sell or trade at The NationalOhtani, LeBron, Jalen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, and NBA card talkCaleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Bo Nix, Joe Burrow, and NFL QB buysNational Sports Collectors Convention prepLudex interactive map, VIP lounge, and trade night planningRyan Alford, Brian Ludden, and Bella Shafer on the hobby stories that matter this weekLinksCollector Nationhttps://app.thecollectornation.com/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782Ryan Alfordhttps://www.ryanalford.com/https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/Brian Ludden / Ludexhttps://www.ludex.com/https://www.ludex.com/nscc/https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp/Collector Stationhttps://thecollectorstation.com/Episode Timestamps00:00 — Show Intro & Host Introductions00:36 — Executive Wardrobe and "Many Hats"01:05 — YouTube Channel Shoutout & Studio Style (Hats & Apparel)01:34 — Soccer Talk & World Cup Reactions01:53 — DoorDash World Cup Credit Promo Details02:16 — Argentina vs. Egypt Match & Dramatic Comeback02:44 — US Men's Soccer Strategy & Critique03:15 — Lionel Messi Soccer Card Market & Values03:40 — Golden Boot Contenders: Erling Haaland & Norway Ties04:14 — International Perspectives on Visiting America04:45 — Safe Travel & Chicago Perceptions05:25 — Cape Verde & Their Goalkeeper’s Story05:43 — Celebrating Too Early: The Pitfalls of Premature Victory06:20 — Inter Miami & Messi's Potential MLS Move06:33 — Cactus Jack x Topps Basketball Hobby Box Break07:05 — Pulling a Cooper Flagg Base Card & Value07:18 — Topps Signature Basketball Box Pulls07:37 — On-Card Cooper Flagg Autograph Pull & Grading Potential08:14 — Trevor Lawrence PSA 10 Silver Rookie Card Value08:24 — Cam Ward PSA 10 Downtown Card Availability08:30 — Jackson Dart Out of 10 Bowman U Autographed Card08:52 — Cooper Flagg Gold Jersey Match /50 Perfect 10 Autograph09:05 — Trading Goals: Bo Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Ken Griffey Jr.09:22 — Pristine Auction Commercial Breakdown10:13 — Shohei Ohtani's 300th Home Run Record Analysis10:39 — Unbreakable Baseball Records & Modern Home Run Trends11:15 — Pitcher Usage & Nolan Ryan's 7 No-Hitter Record11:51 — 2026 MLB All-Star Game Outlook12:05 — Atlanta Braves Slump & Nostalgic Name-Dropping12:54 — NBA Free Agency Chaos & LeBron James Rumors13:17 — LeBron's Future Card Market & Longevity14:04 — LeBron's Potential Landing Spots: Heat, 76ers, or Spurs14:48 — Bronny James' NBA Potential & Team Dynamics15:35 — Jaylen Brown to the 76ers Rumors & Eastern Conference Impact16:03 — Boston Celtics Nostalgia & Jayson Tatum's Future16:21 — Donovan Mitchell's Massive Contract Extension with the Cavs16:33 — Onit Athlete Segment Intro with Leonard Berry17:01 — 2026 MLB Draft Prospects & Onit Athlete Representation17:41 — Gravity Baseball Card Product & Community Hits Feedback18:13 — Onit Athlete Plans for the National Sports Collectors Convention18:32 — Silver Packs & Onit Black Packs National Exclusives19:15 — Women's Sports Representation in Onit National Packs19:50 — Onit Athlete Promo Code & Outro Segment20:13 — National Sports Collectors Convention Planning & Packing Advice20:30 — Ludex Interactive Map & App Functionality21:18 — Show Outro & Media Links
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Is Your PSA 10 Really a 10? | Mike Baker Authentication
Jul 700:23:27Summary readyRyan Alford welcomes Mike Baker back to Collector Nation for another MBA edition focused on grading, certification, and what collectors should understand before making submission decisions. Mike shares what MBA learned from a same-day shop event, how Diamond Certification works on existing slabs, and why pre-grading can help collectors decide whether a card is worth sending in for full grading.The conversation also previews MBA’s plans for The National, including a larger booth setup, expanded processing, and new product holders for oversized cards, tall boys, tickets, and packs. Mike explains how MBA is thinking about its role in the hobby as an added layer of trust, transparency, and value rather than a one-size-fits-all replacement for the biggest grading companies.Ryan and Mike also talk about heat maps, grading consistency, PSA slab comparisons, pack grading considerations, and why collectors need to understand the difference between the number on the label and the quality of the actual card. It is a useful episode for anyone navigating grading, buying slabs, submitting cards, or preparing for The National.Topics CoveredMBA’s same-day certification model at shops and showsHow MBA Diamonds add value to graded cardsRaw card pre-grading and collector decision-makingWhy not every PSA 10 carries the same eye appeal or valueMBA’s setup and service plans for The NationalNew holder formats and future pack gradingThe role of heat maps in grading transparencyRyan Alford and Mike Baker on trust, standards, and where grading is headed nextLinksCollector Nationhttps://www.collectibles.show/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782Ryan Alfordhttps://www.ryanalford.com/https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/Mike Baker Authenticated / MBAhttps://grading.mba/https://grading.mba/certification-standardshttps://www.instagram.com/grading.mba/
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4th of July Special: The Declaration Auction, FIFA Stickers, and NFL Card Speculation
Jul 300:33:11Summary readyRyan Alford and Bella Shafer are back on Collector Nation with a fast-moving episode about how wide the collectibles world has become. They start with Fourth of July energy, Joey Chestnut, and the rare Declaration of Independence broadside hitting the auction world before moving into Panini’s FIFA World Cup sticker books and why low-cost, fun collecting still matters in a market full of expensive boxes and high-end chases.From there, Ryan and Bella talk through international soccer card movement, preseason football card opportunities, and which players could see hobby momentum before the NFL market heats up. Ryan also shares what he is watching ahead of The National, including vintage Jordans, Bo Jackson, Ken Griffey Jr., Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, and cards he may move at the show.The episode finishes with a look at the next phase of Collector Nation and why the team is building a hobby-focused platform that gives collectors and creators a more direct place to be seen. It is a weekly hobby check-in that blends collector culture, market timing, event prep, and the bigger question of what people are willing to chase next.Topics CoveredFourth of July collectibles and Joey Chestnut trading cardsGoldin’s Declaration of Independence auctionPanini FIFA World Cup sticker books and sticker collectingWhy accessible collecting still mattersSoccer card movement after major tournament exitsPreseason football card buys and sellsThe National Sports Collectors Convention prepCollector Nation’s broader platform rollout with Ryan Alford and Bella ShaferLinksCollector Nationhttps://www.collectibles.show/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782Ryan Alfordhttps://www.ryanalford.com/https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/
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