SUMMARY
In this episode of the Trading Cards and Collectibles Podcast, Ryan Alford and Brian Ludden dive into the biggest headlines and hobby updates shaping the trading card market. The spotlight is on a major announcement: VeeFriends is teaming up with Walmart for exclusive comic releases, in-store events, and special collectibles drops. Andy Krainak, President of VeeFriends, joins the show to share insights on the brand’s mission of positivity, cultural relevance, and long-term impact on the hobby.
They also break down data-driven collecting trends, highlight which players and cards are heating up, and discuss how new releases are influencing scanning activity and market behavior. Listeners will also hear about upcoming giveaways, a brand-new card store project, and community-driven stories that reflect both the excitement and the challenges of collecting.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this episode offers valuable insights, insider news, and interactive opportunities—making it a must-listen for trading card enthusiasts, sports card investors, and collectibles fans.
TAKEAWAYS
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Dateline NBC
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CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.