Inside the Sports Card Market with Jason Koonce | Collecting, Grading & Card Shows
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.
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39:50
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39:50
How Dugout Mugs Built a $55 Million Collectibles Brand (Kris Dehnert Interview)
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.
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49:23
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49:23
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
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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
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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.
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.
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