In Episode 5 of The Trading Card Playbook, host Nik sits down with Esther Timsit, the founder of PokeShare and Spark Buddies, to explore how trading cards, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy intersect.

Esther shares how PokéShare was born at an entrepreneurship camp and how the platform uses fractional ownership to make high-value Pokémon cards accessible to younger collectors. The conversation breaks down how Pokémon cards can behave like financial assets, the similarities between trading card markets and traditional stock markets, and the growing role of social media and hype in driving prices.

The episode also dives into what it’s really like to build startups as a teenager — from working in teams and overcoming disorganization to learning from mistakes and staying motivated. Esther discusses why starting a business from a hobby you genuinely care about can lead to stronger discipline, consistency, and long-term growth.

Whether you’re interested in trading cards, investing, or launching your own business, this episode shows how financial literacy doesn’t have to start with textbooks — it can start with the things you already love.

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.

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.

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.

Episode 1 – More Than Cardboard: Featuring Murph from Murph’s Card Town In this debut episode of The Trading Card Playbook, host Nik Kalra introduces the podcast and explores why trading cards are more than just collectibles — they’re a gateway to strategy, storytelling, and financial literacy. Then, Nik sits down with Murph from Murph’s Card Town to talk about his journey from Yu-Gi-Oh! collector to card shop owner, key decisions that shaped his business, market trends like the rise of repacks and Pokémon, and his advice for young collectors. Plus, a fun rapid-fire round you won’t want to miss.