Collector Nation

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.

Topics Covered

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

Connect with Mike Baker

https://www.mbadiamond.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mikebakerauthenticated

Connect with Ryan Alford

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.

Topics Covered

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

Connect with Leonard (ONIT)

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!

Connect with Ryan Alford

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.

Topics Covered

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 

🔗 Connect with Guest — Pat Flynn

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

🔗 Connect with Host — Ryan Alford

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.

🎯 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