In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Ryan and Desiree Knowles, better known as Like Father Like Son, one of the hobby's fastest-growing family brands. As a husband-and-wife team, parents, content creators, breakers, and passionate advocates for responsible engagement, Ryan and Desiree have built a thriving community centered around family, positivity, and teaching the next generation what collecting is truly about.
Alyx, Ryan, and Desiree explore what it means to raise children in today's rapidly evolving hobby and why parents play such an important role in shaping healthy collecting habits from an early age.
The conversation begins with Ryan's journey into the hobby and how collecting became something his entire family enjoys together. They discuss the life lessons collecting can teach—from communication and negotiation to patience, entrepreneurship, and financial responsibility—and why those lessons extend far beyond sports cards.
Desiree also shares her unique perspective on entering the hobby from the outside. Unlike Ryan, she didn't grow up collecting and wasn't a sports fan. She simply wanted to spend more quality time with her family by participating in something they genuinely loved. What began as a way to connect with her family gradually became a passion of her own, offering a powerful reminder that collecting isn't just about the cards—it's about creating shared experiences, strengthening relationships, and finding meaningful ways to connect with the people who matter most.
They also dive into the realities parents should understand as more children enter today's hobby. From live breaking and social media to influencer culture and highly stimulating hobby environments, Ryan and Desiree share their perspective on protecting young collectors while preserving everything that makes the hobby so special.
Fresh off Fanatics Fest and the West Coast Card Show, Alyx, Ryan, and Desiree reflect on the tremendous growth of the hobby, the incredible number of young collectors entering the space, and the opportunities—and responsibilities—that come with collecting becoming more mainstream than ever before.
Finally, they discuss #RipResponsibly, the importance of promoting healthier collecting habits, and why creating awareness isn't about discouraging collecting—it's about helping ensure the hobby remains fun, meaningful, and sustainable for future generations.
This episode is about family, education, responsibility, and protecting the future of collecting.
Whether you're a parent, collector, breaker, hobby business, or simply someone who wants to see the hobby continue growing in a positive direction, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around healthier collecting, family, community, and responsible engagement.
Watch The Episode On YouTube
Learn More & Join The Movement:
Website: collectorsmd.com
Nonprofit: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundation
Socials: bio.collectorsmd.com
Weekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMX
Contact: info@collectorsmd.com
YT: @collectorsmd
IG: @collectorsmd
Follow Like Father Like Son:
IG: @likefatherlikeson_cards
FB: Like Father Like Son Cards & Breaks
Help for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLER
This Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind.
#CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #LikeFatherLikeSon | #RipResponsibly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vn_1DDDat4&t=2016s
