Sole Free - Sneakers & Culture - Michael Rubin, Fanatics, CEO

Michael Rubin on the Future of Sports Cards | Sneak Peak of Fanatics Fest 2026 | Topps Rip Night The hobby is officially BACK.On this episode of Sole Free with Harlan Friedman, we head to Topps Rip Night at Long Island Sports Cards in Albertson, New York, where collectors, fans, and some major names in the sports world come together to celebrate the culture of trading cards.Harlan sits down with Long Island Sports Cards owner Jonathan Chasen to talk about how the hobby has evolved from flea markets and folding tables into a full community experience for collectors of all ages.Then things get even bigger when Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin stops by to talk about the explosive growth of sports cards, the rise of athlete collectors, and what fans can expect at the next Fanatics Fest.We also dive into nostalgia — from the cards everyone chased growing up like Mickey Mantle, Ken Griffey Jr., and Don Mattingly, to the sneakers that defined a generation.This is the intersection of sports, sneakers, culture, and collectibles.Welcome to Sole Free — your home for sneakers and culture.👟 Topics in this episode• ​⁠Topps Rip Night 2026• The rise of sports card collecting• Michael Rubin on Fanatics and Fanatics Fest• The chase for iconic cards• Sneaker culture and nostalgia• The future of the hobby📍 LocationLong Island Sports Cards ​⁠ Albertson, New York#SportsCards#Topps#Fanatics#CardCollectors#SoleFreeEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Harlan Friedman and Donna DrakePRODUCER/EDITOR: Robin C. AdamsFollow Harlan on Instagram and TikTok: theofficialharlanFor more on Harlan Friedman and Sole Free: www.solefreeradio.com