The Trading Card Playbook cover art

The Trading Card Playbook

The Trading Card Playbook

By: Nik Kalra
Listen for free

About this listen

The Trading Card Playbook is the go-to podcast for anyone interested in sports trading cards—whether you’re a beginner looking to understand the basics or an experienced investor searching for the next big opportunity. We break down everything from market trends and player performance to investment strategies and entrepreneurship in the hobby. This podcast isn’t just about collecting; it’s about learning how trading cards can teach financial literacy, smart investing, and business fundamentals. Whether you’re flipping your first card or building a full-scale business, The Trading Card Playbook helps you navigate the market, make informed decisions, and turn your passion into profit.

Nik Kalra
Economics
Episodes
  • Doing Your Homework: How Kevin Miguel Built a Card Business in 9 Months
    Nov 24 2025

    In Episode 4, Nik sits down with Kevin Miguel, owner of Supreme Sports Cards in Fall River, MA, to talk about his rapid rise in the hobby. Kevin shares how a forgotten tote of junk-wax sparked his journey, the mistakes he made early on, and the research habits that now guide his buying and selling.

    They discuss the challenges of comps, navigating Whatnot, building community at Boston-area shows, and what Fanatics’ takeover could mean for the future. Kevin also gives practical advice for young collectors—avoiding pack chasing, starting small, and investing in cards you understand.

    As always, the conversation ties back to financial literacy, showing how collecting teaches budgeting, value tracking, and smart decision-making.

    A fast, insightful episode for collectors of all ages.

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Basketball Season & the Long Game: Inside the Hobby with Kevin Randall
    Oct 12 2025

    As basketball season approaches, I sit down with Kevin Randall, owner of Da Captain 37 Sports Cards, for a conversation about strategy, collecting, and building a brand in the modern hobby. Kevin shares his journey from the classroom to the card show floor, and we dive into how he’s navigated market cycles, adapted to change, and built a strong presence in the sports card community. We also talk about why long-term thinking and financial literacy are just as important in collecting as they are in life. From prospecting to blue chips, local shows to national stages, this episode is packed with insights for collectors, investors, and anyone passionate about the hobby.

    You won’t want to miss this one.

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Touchdowns and Trading Cards: The 2025 Football Season Playbook
    Sep 9 2025

    Football is back, and so is the card market energy. In this episode, Nick Kap of Staten Cards joins us to share his journey from childhood collecting to running a full-fledged card business. We cover the rise of Fanatics, the impact of fantasy football on card values, and what collectors should watch for as the season kicks off.

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.