Right About Now with Ryan Alford - Right About Now Evolves: New Formats, More Guests, and the Launch of Collectibles on SI

Episode Date: August 15, 2025

SUMMARY In this special episode, Ryan Alford announces major updates to the Right About Now podcast, including a shift to more frequent guest interviews and the launch of a new “Now in Ten” quick-interview format. He also unveils his upcoming show, Collectibles on SI, created with Sports Illustrated, which will explore the collectibles industry alongside his sons. The episode features behind-the-scenes insights from a major collectibles event and highlights Ryan’s gratitude for his listeners as he embarks on these new ventures. TAKEAWAYS Announcement of a strategic pivot for the Right About Now podcast to focus more on guest interviews. Introduction of a new format called “Now in Ten” for concise, ten-minute interviews. Increase in the frequency of podcast episodes to two or three per week. Launch of a new podcast titled Collectibles on SI in partnership with Sports Illustrated. Exploration of the collectibles industry, including sports cards, memorabilia, and pop culture items. Emphasis on providing actionable insights and market trends in the collectibles space. Personal reflection on the host's lifelong passion for collecting and its significance. Insights from industry insiders and experiences from major collectibles events like the Nationals. Discussion of the evolving nature of collectibles as a serious asset class. Encouragement for listeners to engage with both podcasts and follow upcoming content.  

This is Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a radcast network production. We are the number one business show on the planet with over one million downloads a month. Taking the BS out of business for over six years and over 400 episodes. You ready to start snapping next and cash in checks? Well, it starts right about now. What's up guys? Welcome to Write About Now. It's Friday, August 15th, 20, 25. I hope everyone is having a great summer of those far.

This is a special edition of Right About Now, short but sweet, but, you know, just wanted to bring to light some of the changes that are happening with the podcast network, what we're doing with this show, and some of the opportunities that are in front of me that we're taking advantage of here and really excited about. First and foremost, right about now is your number one marketing and business show on Apple. I thank you to everyone that listens to our show every week or whenever you do listen to it. It's not lost on me, that you have choices. We really appreciate your loyalty to the show. If you're new listening, I'm Ryan Offord, the host. Been doing the show for almost seven years, approaching 600 plus episodes. and it's been a joy and a pleasure to get better in this seat while also trying to bring you

actionable advice from founders, CEOs, executives, myself, and anyone and everyone in and out of the marketing and business space that I've been connected to and lucky enough to and blessed to meet. I can't thank you enough for trusting me and coming on the show and for ultimately listening and getting the value that we've tried to bring for the last six years. years. We're pivoting a bit with this show. We get, it's, it's really flattering almost how many guest requests we get. We do a guest episodes on Tuesdays and then, you know, more topical upset on Fridays other than when we'll run some back catalog, best of episodes. Hopefully you've gotten some value out of that where we've really maximized and curated the best of the

shows. But we get so many requests for interviews with the popularity of the show, the value that we're getting from the best and brightest across the country. We're going to be maximizing that with two to three episodes per week, more in that guest category. There was a time and a place where we were going to be bringing you more news and less interviews, but we're sort of following where the demand is. And honestly, with some of the other opportunities that have hit our table, what makes the most sense within the catalog of what we're doing, the resources that we have, and again, the demand that we're seeing for people that want to tell their story and that are providing tremendous value in the way of AI, in the way of technology, in the way of

evolving business, growing business, learning lessons. And so you're going to see a few different formats, one of which will be a now and 10 segment. We're going to do 10, 10 minute hard, fast interviews, getting the best. We've got a set series of questions. We're going to ask everyone to really derive value from that guest. Let them provide value to the audience, you that's listening, and to really just maximize that time and consistency of the show, getting those same questions in. So a little less dialogue like I have on the Tuesday shows and more straight to the good stuff. And we're excited about that format. We've got a lot of demand for that. So you're going to be seeing more of those.

We're going to come back. We'll be in like a Monday, Tuesday, Friday release is what that's going to look like. It might be Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. More announcements on that of the coming weeks. But we will be backing off of this news show in favor of those guest episodes and those max value episodes, the now in 10 editions, which we'll be doing. The other news is I am starting a new show for Sports Illustrated, part of the Sports Illustrated Network called Collectibles on

SI. Hopefully you tuned in for our series on the hobby and the industry. We had some amazing guests, Brian Ludden from Luddx, who you see some of the gear here on the table, to Jeremy Eisenberg, who's now a partner with SportsCard Nonsense Media Network,

and then Gary Vee, to name a few. And it was an amazing and enlightening series getting to understand everything that's happening in that industry. I've been blessed to have been offered the ability to start the collectibles on S.I. Show for that network. And that will be starting on August 25th with the first release. As Mike Giocefi and I sit down and talk about the hobby, talk about his journey in the industry,

my coming into it with the boys and the family, with the RAG Collective and everything we're doing on the collectible side of the business and really unexpected, but at the same time, rewarding and exciting. You know, who is a childhood boy growing up and collecting? Who would have thought? I actually had Sports Illustrated's postered on the wall from some of my heroes growing up to then now getting the opportunity to host a Sports Illustrated branded show. I really appreciate Chris Peroni and Jeremy Eisenberg with the SportsCard Nonsense Media Network

and HSI and my Giocefi and Jepsy Gibson with SportsCard Network for trusting me, welcome me into the family and really excited how we're going to bring to life everything that's happening in that industry. It brings a lot of passion points for me together. You've got obviously the collectibles and the sports avenue, which I'm knee deep in. But then getting to do that with my boys and teaching them the business side, as well as sharing that knowledge with our guests from a business perspective of what's happening in the hobby, how you can take advantage, how it's becoming an asset class. And so I'm really excited about what we're going to be doing. within that platform, going behind the scenes, while also living and breathing it ourselves.

The Rad Collective is an e-commerce brand. We're doing breaks on eBay Live. We'll be selling on eBay. We have a huge store there. And so we're going to live and breathe exactly what we're talking about. It's going to be really meta from the standpoint of not just talking about something theoretically as a possibility, but living and breathing that industry with my sons, bringing that to life on the collectibles on S-I podcast, but it'll be audio, video, multimedia, as we really go hard,

it's telling you those behind-the-scenes stories of the broader collectible space. We've got an amazing lineup of guests that's coming on. So again, please go look up collectibles on S-I, hit that follow button. We've got a great trailer out now that kind of pumps up the episode, what were we talking about? and then it launches August 25th and then the following week will be twice a week. So super excited about that partnership and getting to work with an iconic brand like Sports Illustrated, but more importantly, the people that I get blessed to work with, the guys that I mentioned, guys like Brian Ludin at Ludex, and I could go on and on naming names, but don't have to name them.

You're going to see them, hear them, and learn from them on the collectibles on, S-I podcast starting August 25th. You'll find all the details of that in our show notes. As we evolve our podcast platform, the way with which we are reaching people and how we build community, I'm excited about niching down a bit. The broader marketing business category has been amazing,

but getting to niche down on something that I have passion for, my kids have passion for, and it has tremendous opportunities for brands and sponsors. It's incredible. the affluent audience that's in this market. So if you're listening and you're wanting to get in, it's a great time to do it because our numbers are going to be incredible.

We've got the support of the SportsCard Nonsense Network, which has the largest Facebook group on the planet for the hobby. And of course, their newsletter and them, Mike and Jesse, having the number one show promoting and talking about our show. The synergy we're going to bring across these shows and across the SportsCard Nonsense Media Network is going to be incredible. So can't wait. And look, the great thing is, whether you're into sports or not, the hobby touches so many, so many layers from non-sports cards, memorabilia for movies and different things like that, to figurines, Pokemon, all kinds.

We're going to touch a little bit all of it. It's certainly going to be heavily hobby-focused and sports card focused, given that's what we do every week with the kids. But the great thing is there's a broader category here, and there's something for everyone in the collectible space. And we can't wait to bring it to you. So I'm excited about the new show, Collectibles on SI. I want to show you a little sneak peek. Behind the scenes look, we'll also throw in some of the videos that we did with the team at the National. So you can see just how crazy that industry is and how much it's booming and what we're doing and how we're getting behind the scenes, some of the interviews I'm doing.

So we're going to have a little bit of the trailer and so the behind the scenes at the National right here, right now. I'm Ryan Alford, and this is Collectibles on SI. Chasing grill cards, comics, kicks, and more. With my four sons, we'll rip into the whole collectibles universe. Cards, sneakers, figurines, if it moves the market, we're on at first. We unpack hobby innovations like AI grading, fractional shares, and all the latest in card collection management. We'll make sure you stay ahead.

of the curve. You'll hear raw insights from athletes, sharp investors, and culture-shaping creators. This is data you can act on with a side of nonsense. Let's go. I wasn't prepared. From the nationals to local gyms, we show you every deal and hidden gym. Watch us rip, grade, flip, or hold cards, kicks, and collectibles in real time. I'm teaching my kids supply, demand, and the joy of collecting.

and I hope you'll join us on the journey. Collectibles on SI lands August 25th, then twice a week, and zero FOMO. That grill, whatever it is, could be next. Today was a sneakaway day, buy some cards and not be on the radar. First buy of the day, little one-on-one Larry Bird card. Like we said in the pod the other day, overpay for PC. First of all, we didn't think we were going to meet him. No, not at all.

Then it was like, well, maybe we'll get a handshake. Handshake, if that. And he said... It's a win. He will talk about coming on the pot. Every other than you're just in jumping on him, okay. All right, we'll figure it out. Yeah.

Thank you. Figure it out. Good price on wax. Some of it will rip ourselves. Some of it will take back and break and make some money on. But it's some really cool old 80s, 90s, up to 2000 wax. That is the white whale card for us this week. A 1966 Tops Bobby Orr rookie autograph.

He had a great of a three. and a half with a 10 auto that's a Sunday card if you haven't bought anything you have money in your pocket you're buying it walking away I don't remember the last time I saw an autograph or a rookie like that that was a nice card super nice good deal Hulk Hogan all his stuff's gone up this week I'm sure yeah this is when you know like how broad the hobby is you get to some of these tables and it's like like wild stuff dude go a whole show without seeing Marvel literally 50 grand and three cards for Spider-Man is nuts.

Oh, it's in bubble wrap. That means it's expensive. Stay away from that. Also, you'll never see more adults and fanny packs in your life. Love your page, man. I absolutely love your concept, brother. I just insulted guys with fanny packs. I was like, this dude just heard me.

It's about to bust my head open. What content that would have been? This is the Hobbies Premier Media Network. cards? Oh, there are these your cards? Oh, they're going to these your cards? I will be in my card into Tom Brady's. This is really appreciate, ma'am. And you give me cards now, this is your own?

Yeah. What did you catch right there? Oh, that's a large mouth pass. How big was it? It was three and a half pounds. The picture makes it a little bit bigger, but I don't like to brag about it. Fish Roy. How was that beat, though?

It was a great. Yeah? It was great. Unbelievable. I didn't feel uncomfortable. No, and he's a good looking dude. He's so handsome. Touchdown, they're good cards.

Love that, love that, thank you. You have it, holding. I just want to say thank you. I feel like from the beginning of this process with the Topps Chrome product, I've sensed from you, both from your words on the podcast, but more importantly, just even your actions and watching, I feel like you believe in it.

And that means a lot to the creator. creator. Damn. Let's go. I love sports. I love what athletes do, but I also love the imagination, the movies, cartoons, everything around all of this. So to be here with you, to hear those words, is absolutely the highlight of this. Hi, sir. A bathroom is that way in the O'Reilly Corner. I don't know. I'm a wrap. This is the Hobbies Premier Media Network. If you were gonna just put a value on a one-on-one card, what would you put a value on for this one?

That one? Yeah, that guy's handsome. Oh my god. I mean, it's got at least a million, right? It's got a little bit more. Yeah, that's my private jet and... Wow. Yeah.

We gotta know what's in the box. Come on. We're collectibles on SI. That's Sports Illustrated. Best card in the box. Blaine Gretzky. That is a card. Very nice.

What's the best card in the box? Want to take a look? Yeah, I want to know. Oh, redemption. Dual Superfactor auto of the UN McGregor and Aiding Christensen. Nice. What card are we chasing? We're big Cardinals fans, so even like not the big name guys.

We like Victor Scott Mason win. Always look at Otis, like most people. Any autographs? Probably not. Have a great rest of the show. Appreciate you all. Thank you. Yeah.

What are we chasing then? Kyle Van Nuoy, Fred Warner, Taysome Hill. Yeah, go Coogs. Hey, man. Appreciate you. Have a good show. All right. This is the Hobbies' Premier Media Network.

Really appreciate your loyalty for listening. Again, you know where to find us. Ryan is right.com. You'll find highlight clips from all of our past episodes, full episodes. Don't forget us on YouTube where you can watch the episode in our beautiful studio here in Greenville, South Carolina. And again, we're moving to more of that interview formats two to three days per week. On Right About Now, we will continue to be your number one show for business and marketing. We'll see you next time. All right about now.

This has been Right About Now with Ryan Alford, a Radcast Network production. Visit Ryan isright.com for full audio and video version. of the show or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities. Thanks for listening.