Collector Nation

Ryan 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 COVERED
Why Fanatics Fest and The National serve different collectors
How major hobby events expand the entire collectibles market
Brian’s favorite Rosemont restaurants and hotels
Why Trade Night is a must-attend experience
Using the LUDEX interactive map to plan your visit
VIP lounge events and Collector Nation’s live coverage
Transportation and scheduling advice for first-time attendees
PSA grading at The National
Topps and Pokémon release overload
The value of 1990s basketball inserts and Kobe Bryant rookies
Topps Signature Basketball product review
The Dylan Harper /50 pull
CONNECT WITH BRIAN LUDDEN & LUDEX
LUDEX: 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/brianludden
LUDEX on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp/
CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD & COLLECTOR NATION
Collector Nation: https://thecollectornation.com/
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782
Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/
Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Ty 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 covered
The creation and growth of Chasing Cardboard
Storytelling through sports-card collections
Buying collections sight unseen
Detecting incomplete or cherry-picked collections
Junk wax and unexpected discoveries
Evaluating a seller and the circumstances of a deal
Fair offers versus full retail value
Collection-buying margins
Inventory velocity and sell-through rate
Resellers, collectors, and hobby economics
Institutional buyers and alternative assets
Undervalued modern stars and vintage legends
Ryan Alford and Ty Wilson on growing through content
Chasing Cardboard
https://chasingcardboardtv.com/
https://www.youtube.com/chasingcardboard
https://www.instagram.com/chasingcardboardtv/
https://linktr.ee/chasingcardboard
Ty Wilson
https://www.instagram.com/chasingtywilson/
https://www.youtube.com/@ChasingTyWilson
Ryan 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/

Ryan 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 covered
Ryan and Bella’s first PSA return
PSA grading, populations, and card values
Travis Hunter’s one-of-one Topps Chrome Black card
Ryan’s latest basketball and football pulls
Hobby boxes versus retail products
Victor Wembanyama and Summer League card interest
Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking card sale
Fanatics Fest and The National
Selling and trading cards at The National
Collector Nation giveaways
Creator opportunities on the Collector Nation app
Links
Are 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/

Gordy 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 Covered

Gordy Bonkers’ latest vintage card deals

Why reputation matters in high-end card buying

Vintage cards as an alternative asset class

Mickey Mantle and the strength of the vintage market

PSA grading slowdowns and dealer challenges

Pokemon speculation and sealed product

Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, and Mantle buying targets

How to negotiate vintage cards at The National

What not to expect from dealers at card shows

Ryan Alford and Gordy Bonkers on building trust in the hobby

Links
Collector Nation
https://www.collectibles.show/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782

Ryan Alford
https://www.ryanalford.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Gordy Bonkers / Bonkers Cards
https://bonkerscards.substack.com/
https://bonkerscards.co/
https://www.instagram.com/bonkerscards/
https://www.youtube.com/@bonkerscards

Gordy 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 Covered

Gordy Bonkers’ latest vintage card deals

Why reputation matters in high-end card buying

Vintage cards as an alternative asset class

Mickey Mantle and the strength of the vintage market

PSA grading slowdowns and dealer challenges

Pokemon speculation and sealed product

Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson, and Mantle buying targets

How to negotiate vintage cards at The National

What not to expect from dealers at card shows

Ryan Alford and Gordy Bonkers on building trust in the hobby

Links
Collector Nation
https://www.collectibles.show/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782

Ryan Alford
https://www.ryanalford.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Gordy Bonkers / Bonkers Cards
https://bonkerscards.substack.com/
https://bonkerscards.co/
https://www.instagram.com/bonkerscards/
https://www.youtube.com/@bonkerscards

Ryan 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 Covered

World Cup soccer cards and international hobby momentum

Messi, Haaland, and soccer card spikes

Topps Chrome Cactus Jack Basketball

Ryan’s Cooper Flagg on-card auto pull

Cards Ryan may sell or trade at The National

Ohtani, LeBron, Jalen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, and NBA card talk

Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Bo Nix, Joe Burrow, and NFL QB buys

National Sports Collectors Convention prep

Ludex interactive map, VIP lounge, and trade night planning

Ryan Alford, Brian Ludden, and Bella Shafer on the hobby stories that matter this week

Links
Collector Nation
https://app.thecollectornation.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/collector-nation/id1832831782

Ryan Alford
https://www.ryanalford.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Brian Ludden / Ludex
https://www.ludex.com/
https://www.ludex.com/nscc/
https://www.instagram.com/ludexapp/

Collector Station

https://thecollectorstation.com/

Episode Timestamps

00:00 — Show Intro & Host Introductions

00:36 — Executive Wardrobe and "Many Hats"

01:05 — YouTube Channel Shoutout & Studio Style (Hats & Apparel)

01:34 — Soccer Talk & World Cup Reactions

01:53 — DoorDash World Cup Credit Promo Details

02:16 — Argentina vs. Egypt Match & Dramatic Comeback

02:44 — US Men's Soccer Strategy & Critique

03:15 — Lionel Messi Soccer Card Market & Values

03:40 — Golden Boot Contenders: Erling Haaland & Norway Ties

04:14 — International Perspectives on Visiting America

04:45 — Safe Travel & Chicago Perceptions

05:25 — Cape Verde & Their Goalkeeper’s Story

05:43 — Celebrating Too Early: The Pitfalls of Premature Victory

06:20 — Inter Miami & Messi's Potential MLS Move

06:33 — Cactus Jack x Topps Basketball Hobby Box Break

07:05 — Pulling a Cooper Flagg Base Card & Value

07:18 — Topps Signature Basketball Box Pulls

07:37 — On-Card Cooper Flagg Autograph Pull & Grading Potential

08:14 — Trevor Lawrence PSA 10 Silver Rookie Card Value

08:24 — Cam Ward PSA 10 Downtown Card Availability

08:30 — Jackson Dart Out of 10 Bowman U Autographed Card

08:52 — Cooper Flagg Gold Jersey Match /50 Perfect 10 Autograph

09:05 — Trading Goals: Bo Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Ken Griffey Jr.

09:22 — Pristine Auction Commercial Breakdown

10:13 — Shohei Ohtani's 300th Home Run Record Analysis

10:39 — Unbreakable Baseball Records & Modern Home Run Trends

11:15 — Pitcher Usage & Nolan Ryan's 7 No-Hitter Record

11:51 — 2026 MLB All-Star Game Outlook

12:05 — Atlanta Braves Slump & Nostalgic Name-Dropping

12:54 — NBA Free Agency Chaos & LeBron James Rumors

13:17 — LeBron's Future Card Market & Longevity

14:04 — LeBron's Potential Landing Spots: Heat, 76ers, or Spurs

14:48 — Bronny James' NBA Potential & Team Dynamics

15:35 — Jaylen Brown to the 76ers Rumors & Eastern Conference Impact

16:03 — Boston Celtics Nostalgia & Jayson Tatum's Future

16:21 — Donovan Mitchell's Massive Contract Extension with the Cavs

16:33 — Onit Athlete Segment Intro with Leonard Berry

17:01 — 2026 MLB Draft Prospects & Onit Athlete Representation

17:41 — Gravity Baseball Card Product & Community Hits Feedback

18:13 — Onit Athlete Plans for the National Sports Collectors Convention

18:32 — Silver Packs & Onit Black Packs National Exclusives

19:15 — Women's Sports Representation in Onit National Packs

19:50 — Onit Athlete Promo Code & Outro Segment

20:13 — National Sports Collectors Convention Planning & Packing Advice

20:30 — Ludex Interactive Map & App Functionality

21:18 — Show Outro & Media Links