Trading Cards & Collectibles Podcast

SUMMARY

In this episode of the "Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast," host Ryan Alford interviews Jason Koonce, founder and CEO of One Team International Agency. Jason shares his journey from childhood collector to industry leader, discussing the evolution of the sports card hobby, the impact of technology, grading, and live shopping platforms like Whatnot. The conversation explores market trends, the rise of repacks, and the importance of balancing business with family. Jason offers advice for newcomers and emphasizes the value of enjoying the hobby, highlighting how passion and innovation continue to shape the collectibles industry.

TAKEAWAYS

• Evolution of the sports card and collectibles hobby over the past 30 years.
• Impact of the internet on pricing transparency and consumer access in the card market.
• Role of grading companies in enhancing card value and market liquidity.
• Changes in collector demographics, including the influx of newcomers since 2017.
• Discussion of "repacks" and their appeal compared to traditional card packs.
• The rise of live shopping platforms and their influence on buying and selling collectibles.
• Importance of treating card collecting as a fun activity rather than a financial investment.
• Challenges posed by misinformation and negativity in the hobby, especially for new collectors.
• Balancing business success with family life and personal time management.
• The significance of adapting to market trends and leveraging technology in the collectibles industry.

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, host Ryan Alford sits down with Kris Dehnert, CEO of Dugout Mugs, to share the incredible story behind turning baseball bats into collectible mugs and building a multi-million-dollar memorabilia brand.

Kris dives into the origin of Dugout Mugs, how collaborations with MLB legends like Pete Rose and The Sandlot cast fueled growth, and the role of innovation, customization, and relationships in shaping a successful collectibles business.

The conversation also covers the current state of the sports card hobby, challenges of overproduction, and why authenticity and emotional connection drive lasting value. Kris also opens up about his personal collecting journey, the rise of corporate gifting, and his philosophy of designing a business aligned with purpose, community, and lifestyle.

Whether you’re a sports fan, memorabilia collector, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights into building a collectibles brand that resonates with fans and culture.

Key Takeaways

• The origin story of Dugout Mugs and its growth into a $55M+ brand.
• Unique product lines: baseball bat mugs, coasters, openers, and memorabilia.
• Collaborations with MLB legends and limited-edition releases.
• The manufacturing process and commitment to North American production.
• Why relationships and networking are crucial in collectibles.
• The emotional and nostalgic value of collecting.
• Insights into the sports card hobby, overproduction risks, and market trends.
• Dugout Mugs’ future: corporate gifting, retail partnerships, and expansion.
• Kris’s personal collecting stories and memorabilia favorites.
• Building a business around values, lifestyle design, and authenticity.

🎙️ 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.

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.

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.

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.
  

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