Passion to Profession is back, and this time, we’re diving into the fast-growing world of F1 cards. Mike at Leahi51513, the largest seller of F1 cards on eBay, joins the show to break down how he built a thriving business, why he believes F1 cards are a generational opportunity, and what he’s seeing in collector behavior. We talk about: How F1 cards went from overlooked to must-have The global collector base driving demand Lessons from the basketball boom and how they apply to F1 Why curated auc...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 588
Luka Doncic is a Laker. The move that nobody saw coming has sent shockwaves through the NBA and the hobby. How are collectors reacting? What’s happening to Luka’s key cards? And what does this trade say about the player vs. team collecting dynamic? Chris McGill (@chris_hoj) joins me to break it all down. We get into: The immediate market impact on Luka’s cards How the trade has shifted collector sentiment The psychology of player collecting vs. team collecting What this move means for Luka’s lon...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 587
The latest round of high-end sports card auctions had some absolute monsters, and we’re breaking it all down. From the $579K 1997-98 Skybox E-X2001 Essential Credentials Now /8 Kobe sale to the record-breaking Randy Moss 24 Karat Gold, we’re pulling back the curtain on what happened, what it means, and where things might be headed. Why the Kobe 1997 Credentials Now BGS 9 didn’t crack a million Victor Wembanyama’s Nebula sale and what it says about the market A huge night for ‘90s football—Emmitt...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 586
Trust separates the best collectors and businesses from the ones that don’t last. Whether you’re buying, selling, trading, or simply engaging in the hobby, your reputation is everything. In this episode, I break down why trust is the real currency in collecting, how it’s built, how it’s lost, and why it impacts every decision we make. I share a recent personal experience of an effortless deal with a trusted collector and why direct relationships are more valuable than chasing every last dollar. ...
Feb 26, 2025•23 min•Ep. 585
Passion to Profession is back with another conversation about turning collecting into a business. This time, we're diving into the world of TCG with Aaron (@sassy_otto), the largest Yu-Gi-Oh! seller on eBay. Aaron shares his journey from collecting Yu-Gi-Oh! as a kid to building a full-time business, breaking down: The state of TCGs in 2025—why Pokémon dominates and how Yu-Gi-Oh! is thriving in its niche. The business side of selling cards on eBay—scaling from a side hustle to the top seller in ...
Feb 24, 2025•41 min•Ep. 584
WNBA cards are having a moment, but the history behind them runs deep. In this episode, I sit down with Annemarie (@women.on.topps) to talk about the evolution of women’s sports cards, the growth of WNBA collecting, and why we’re seeing a surge in interest today. She’s been collecting for decades, writes for The Athletic , and knows this space inside and out. We discuss: The early days of WNBA cards and the role of Pinnacle, Fleer, and Rittenhouse How eBay shaped the women’s sports card market b...
Feb 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 583
One full year of Auction Talk . 52 episodes deep, and we're still going. In this week's episode, we talk through tough collection decisions, selling rare cards for bigger opportunities, and the psychology behind shifting a collection. Massive Auctions: The Randy Moss 24K Gold will become the highest-selling public sale for a Moss card ever. But how much more room does it have to run? Buying & Selling Strategies: When is the right time to list a card as a Buy-It-Now vs. sending it to auction?...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 582
Some cards come and go. Others refuse to leave. In this episode of Stacking Slabs , we’re talking about the longest-tenured cards in our collections. The ones that have survived every buy, sell, and trade. The ones that mean something deeper than just market value. I asked collectors: What’s the longest-tenured card in your collection? The responses were incredible, cards tied to childhood, first big purchases, personal milestones, and moments that shaped collecting journeys. This episode is abo...
Feb 19, 2025•22 min•Ep. 581
Luka Doncic traded to the Lakers. Patrick Mahomes’ Super Bowl letdown. The evolving psychology of player vs. team collecting. Card Ladder Confidential 5 dives deep into how collectors react to monumental shifts in sports, from Mahomes’ analytics nightmare to Luka shaking up the NBA’s biggest brand. Brett, Chris, and Josh break down the ripple effects of these moments on the hobby, from flipper dynamics to shifting collector strategies. They also tackle a burning question, should collectors stop ...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 580
In this episode of Passion to Profession , we’re talking with Chris and Nick from QuickConsign, one of the most well-known consignment businesses in the hobby. If you've ever bought a card on eBay, chances are you've come across their listings. We dive into: The origins of QuickConsign and how they scaled to over 1.1 million items sold in 21 years . How they’ve built a business that allows collectors to focus on collecting while they handle the selling. The impact of customer service in the cons...
Feb 17, 2025•54 min•Ep. 579
This week, I’m joined by Justin (@outofsteptrading), a collector who does things his own way. His collection stands out, built around NASCAR legends like Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. But there’s more to it than that. Justin’s approach to collecting is different. He focuses on what he loves, not what’s popular. In this episode, we get into why he embraces being "out of step" with the mainstream hobby, how his passion for punk and hardcore music influences his collecting, and what makes NASCA...
Feb 14, 2025•36 min•Ep. 578
The Super Bowl is over, and that means we’re shifting into full auction mode. This week on Auction Talk , Nic and I break down the post-Super Bowl market reaction, key sales, and how Jalen Hurts’ second ring is shaking up the 2020 QB card hierarchy. We dig into: The surprising movement in Hurts’ market and why his cards could still be undervalued. Big-time auctions, including a 1998 Fleer Brilliants 24K Gold Randy Moss PSA 8 and a 1997 PMG Green Emmitt Smith PSA 5 . The ongoing debate: collector...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 577
Nostalgia runs deep in the hobby. It influences the cards we chase, the collections we build, and the emotions we attach to pieces of cardboard. But how does nostalgia actually impact our collecting habits? In this flagship episode of Stacking Slabs , I break down what nostalgia means in collecting, why it’s such a powerful force, and how it can shape our decision-making—for better or worse. I share personal stories, including how an Andrew Luck interview sent me on a nostalgia trip, and discuss...
Feb 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 576
In this episode of Passion to Profession , a new series sponsored by eBay, I sit down with Tait, the owner of Hoody’s Collectibles, one of the top eBay sellers in the hobby. From flipping cards in a college apartment to running two successful retail locations, Tait shares how he turned his collecting passion into a thriving business. We talk about: The early days of Hoody’s, starting with a small consignment operation How word-of-mouth and local shops helped grow his business The challenges of s...
Feb 10, 2025•44 min•Ep. 575
This week on Stacking Slabs , I’m joined by Sean, better known on Instagram as @victoryinvestments. Sean is a die-hard Chiefs fan, collector, and one of the most entertaining content creators in the hobby. We cover: His journey from collecting as a kid to building a high-end Mahomes PC. What it’s like to navigate the Mahomes market as a collector vs. investor. The evolution of card shows, trading culture, and his recent trip to Dallas. Balancing passion with strategy—when to hold, when to sell, ...
Feb 07, 2025•47 min•Ep. 574
Auction Talk 50 is here, and we’re celebrating 50 episodes of breaking down the biggest sales and trends in the hobby . Super Bowl week means big moves in the football card market, and we dig into what’s happening with high-end football, how collector sentiment is shifting, and what it all means for future pricing. We talk about: The rise of ultra-high-end football cards and why they’re gaining traction How basketball collectors continue to drive the market differently Prizm’s staying power and ...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 573
Collecting is personal, but it’s also powered by relationships. This week, I’m sharing a real moment that reminded me why community is the foundation of the hobby. A fellow collector sent me a link to a card I would have otherwise missed. In this episode, I break down what real community looks like in the hobby, why looking out for other collectors always pays off, and how sharing knowledge, deals, and insights makes collecting better for everyone. If your collecting circle doesn’t help you grow...
Feb 05, 2025•23 min•Ep. 572
Speed and transparency. That’s the foundation of dcsports87 one of the largest eBay consignment businesses in the hobby. In this episode of Passion to Profession , I sit down with Tory and Zach, the duo behind dcsports87, to break down their journey from group breaks to running a powerhouse consignment business. We talk about: How a 2012 Bryce Harper pull sparked the business Scaling from a side hustle to over 5.5 million items sold on eBay The systems and technology they’ve built to handle 50,0...
Feb 03, 2025•46 min•Ep. 571
Some collectors chase the biggest names. Others focus on rare inserts or specific sets. Adam (@ajmcards94) takes a different route, he collects his hometown. In this episode, Adam shares how growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, shaped his collecting, why he prioritizes athletes who walked the same streets he did, and how his collection is an extension of his connection to home. We talk about the players that define his collection, the nostalgia that fuels his approach, and why collecting is more t...
Jan 31, 2025•46 min•Ep. 570
Paul Skenes' debut patch card is one of the most talked-about auctions in the hobby, but is the noise around it justified? This week on Auction Talk , Nic is back in the saddle, and we’re diving into the speculation, skepticism, and trust issues collectors have with manufacturers. We also get into: The latest auction results and what they say about the state of the market Why rare cards showing up in private hands make some collectors uneasy The psychology of hobby hype, from Prizm Nebula to MLB...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 569
In this flagship episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett breaks down strategies for acquiring sports cards across different buying formats. From navigating auction dynamics to building relationships for 1:1 deals, Brett shares practical insights and personal experiences to help you become a more confident and strategic collector. Learn how to balance emotion with rational pricing, avoid lowball offers, and create meaningful connections with other collectors. Plus, an exciting announcement about Patreon...
Jan 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 568
"Passion to Profession," a new Stacking Slabs series sponsored by eBay, kicks off with a conversation featuring Mike, Owner of MC Sports Cards. From starting as a 12-year-old collector in 2006 to building one of the most trusted consignment businesses in the hobby, Mike shares the story behind his journey. We discuss key moments like launching MC Monday, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and maintaining trust in a competitive space. Hear how Mike turned his passion for sports cards ...
Jan 27, 2025•41 min•Ep. 567
Step into the world of vintage baseball as I sit down with Tony (@southerncollector14), a passionate collector with a treasure trove of stories and historical insights. From the iconic 1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson to rare Cracker Jack cards, Tony shares his journey of collecting, the personal connections behind his favorite cards, and the importance of preserving history through this incredible hobby. Whether you're new to vintage collecting or a seasoned enthusiast, this conversation will inspire ...
Jan 24, 2025•51 min•Ep. 566
In this unique edition of Auction Talk, I’m going solo as Nic is on the sidelines this week. Join me as I navigate through auctions and collecting, highlighting three standout cards under $1,000 that caught my attention. I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of bidding, share personal reflections on collecting strategies, and explore the ever-evolving connection between auctions and our collections. Whether you’re here for the insights, the stories, or the passion behind the hobby, this episod...
Jan 23, 2025•52 min•Ep. 565
In this episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett dives into the concept of collection management through the lens of a General Manager. Using the parallels between building a sports team and assembling a personal collection, Brett explores topics like setting a vision, making strategic decisions, and adapting to changing dynamics. From impulsive purchases to methodical long-term goals, Brett breaks down how collectors can approach their collections with a sharper focus. Whether you're picking up rare an...
Jan 22, 2025•22 min•Ep. 564
Welcome back to another edition of Card Ladder Confidential on Stacking Slabs, where we dive into the analytics and emotions of collecting with Chris and Josh from Card Ladder. In this episode, we unpack December’s record-breaking $247M in card sales, the second highest monthly total ever tracked. We also: Debate how many cards it takes to start a collection. Share stories of recent pickups, including a 1/1 Purdy Select Black and a Ja’Marr Chase Black Finite. Revisit past card sales we wish we c...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 563
In this collector conversation, I sit down with Adam Gellman (@WWEGellman), creator of the Main Event Wrestling Card Community, to talk about the state of the wrestling card market. We explore the Panini era, the transition back to Topps, and what it all means for collectors. Adam shares insights on iconic rookie cards, the influence of breakers, and how WWE’s growing visibility through Netflix and Fanatics could shape the future of wrestling cards. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just cu...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 562
Auction Talk 47 is here despite not getting the episode edition correct during the opening! Brett and Nic dive into another action-packed week of the sports card market, unpacking trends, rare card sales, and collector strategies. From discussing Jaden Daniels’ breakout impact on the hobby to reflecting on the importance of scarcity in collecting, this episode delivers value for every type of collector. Other highlights include thoughts on the cultural significance of premier auctions, a breakdo...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 561
Selling cards can help open up doors, but what happens next is just as important. In this episode, Brett diving into the psychology behind reinvesting after a sale. We'll explore how to avoid impulsive purchases, align spending with your collecting goals, and balance the dopamine rush with discipline. He shares his own experiences, strategies for finding meaningful additions, and the value of patience when navigating your next moves. Tune in for insights that can help you make smarter decisions ...
Jan 15, 2025•20 min•Ep. 560
In this edition of SSP Auction Spotlight, I sit down with Nic from The Wharf Sports Cards to discuss five standout cards from the latest Fanatics Collect Premier Auction. These cards are more than collectibles, they’re time capsules of sports history, cultural significance, and collector sentiment. We explore the stories, stats, and context behind each card, including: The 2020 Panini Prizm LeBron James Gold /10 PSA 8 and its connection to Kobe Bryant 2004-05 Exquisite Collection Michael Jordan ...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 559
