What drives us to collect? This week, I sit down with Cameron Ross Steiner, the host of Collectors Gene Radio, to explore the psychology of collecting. Cameron shares his experiences interviewing collectors across various niches, from vintage watches to rare art, and we discuss the traits that unite us all. We dive into the thrill of the hunt, the stories behind our collections, and the personal rules we create to shape our passions. If you're curious about what it means to have the collector's ...
Jan 10, 2025•41 min•Ep. 558
In this episode of Auction Talk , Brett and Nic dig into the nuances of the auction process while snowed in at home. From the emotional rollercoaster of watching your cards sell to the strategic decisions behind pricing and timing, we cover it all. Highlights include a deep dive into some big-ticket cards like Michael Jordan's 1997 Stadium Club First Day Issue PSA 10 from 90s Auctions and Drake Maye's Prizm Black Finite from Fanatics Weekly. Plus, we examine the state of the ultra-modern one-of-...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 557
Letting go of cards is one of the toughest challenges for collectors, but it can also be the most liberating. In this episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett shares his personal journey of releasing cards, breaking through emotional hurdles, and reframing the act of selling as a step toward progress. Learn how to evaluate your collection with purpose, categorize your cards, and embrace evolution as a collector. If you're struggling to let go, this episode will give you the tools and mindset to move for...
Jan 08, 2025•26 min•Ep. 556
In this episode, Brett is joined by huis brother, Kyle McGrath (@mcgrathcards), for a collector conversation filled with nostalgia, personal growth, and hobby evolution. They dive into childhood memories of trading cards, reflect on our 2024 collecting journeys, and explore how Kyle's interests have shifted towards WNBA cards, including his latest focus on Lexie Hull. Whether you're rethinking your collection or looking for inspiration, this conversation highlights the importance of staying true...
Jan 03, 2025•45 min•Ep. 555
Kick off 2025 with the first episode of Auction Talk ! Brett and Nic reflect on the momentum in the hobby, dig into trends shaping the auction market, and spotlight notable sales from the Goldin Elite auction, including cards like the Josh Allen Gold Vinyl PSA 10. They discuss why certain cards matter long-term and explore shifting collector preferences from NT RPAs to rare and scarce parallels. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode delivers insights on collec...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 554
The first episode Stacking Slabs episode of 2025 dives into setting intentional collecting goals and why it matters for collectors. Brett shares his journey of refining his collection, the power of focus, and lessons from building relationships in the hobby. You'll hear actionable insights on balancing spontaneity with structure, prioritizing meaningful cards, and avoiding the noise. Whether you’re chasing your grail or just starting fresh, this conversation will inspire you to make 2025 your be...
Jan 01, 2025•21 min•Ep. 553
Unlock the stories behind the value of your collection in this episode of Stacking Slabs. Brett sits down with Michael Osacky from Baseball in the Attic, a seasoned collector and appraiser, to discuss the ins and outs of appraising sports cards and memorabilia. From the importance of insurance and preservation to the emotional weight tied to rare items, Michael shares his journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. Discover how the hobby has evolved, why appraisals are crucial, and hear ...
Dec 27, 2024•47 min•Ep. 552
In this post-holiday edition of Auction Talk, we reflect on some of the latest and most exciting sports card sales, and dive into the dynamics of the sports card market. Nic and I break down the dramatic sale of a 2018 Josh Allen Prizm Stained Glass 1/1, explore the complexities of auction bidding, and chat about the increasing role of card funding services. We also dive into the current state of the Prizm Football market, and discuss some standout recent sales. From the complexities of auction ...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 551
In this special Christmas Day episode of Stacking Slabs, we take a step back to explore the culture of the hobby through its foundational elements. Drawing parallels to hip hop's four pillars, we break down the hobby shop, card show, content, and online platforms as the cornerstones of collecting. These elements shape our experiences and connections in the hobby, providing a foundation for education, interaction, and inspiration. Tune in to reflect on your own collecting journey. What brought yo...
Dec 25, 2024•23 min•Ep. 550
In this special edition of Stacking Slabs, Brett sits down with Ryan Greene, PSA’s Director of Communications and Social Media, to explore PSA’s 2024 slabbed data and what it reveals about the state of the hobby. They dive into the top graded athletes of the year, surprising trends like the rise of women’s basketball and TCG cards, and what this means for collectors heading into 2025. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, this conversation is packed with actionable insights a...
Dec 23, 2024•42 min•Ep. 549
In this Collector's Showcase episode, I sit down with Seth (@soccercardcorner) to talk about the evolving world of soccer cards. We explore the nuances of collecting in this growing space, Seth’s journey into soccer cards during the COVID boom, and his dedication to building a complete 2017 Topps Chrome Gold set. Seth also shares stories behind key pieces in his collection, his passion for collecting Mohamed Salah, and how he navigates scarcity and rarity in the market. Whether you're a seasoned...
Dec 20, 2024•48 min•Ep. 548
Auction Talk is back with a year-end twist! In this episode, Nic and I dive into the 2024 Auction Talk Hall of Fame, celebrating the players and cards that defined the year. From historic sales like Tom Brady’s Immaculate Game-Used Shield Auto to the groundbreaking 2024 Select Caitlin Clark Gold Vinyl, we highlight the moments and cards that shifted the hobby landscape. Tune in as we explore the stories, sales, and trends that collectors won’t forget. Plus, we spotlight a Josh Allen rookie card ...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 547
What makes a card significant to you ? Is it the story, the nostalgia, the aesthetics, or the price? In this episode, Brett breaks down the “significance spectrum” and share what matters most to me as a collector. He talks about his 2012 Prizm Gold Andrew Luck rookie card and how it reshaped his collecting journey. We’re all on different ends of the spectrum. Some of us find significance in rare cards. Others in sentimental pieces that no one else cares about. And that’s what makes this hobby so...
Dec 18, 2024•23 min•Ep. 546
In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential , Brett sits down with Josh and Chris to unwrap some of the most thought-provoking discussions in the hobby. We address the complexities of nostalgia-driven collecting, the impact of 90s basketball culture, and what the trends in football card values reveal about prospecting in today’s market. Whether you're dreaming of your own perfect holiday rip or pondering the long-term dynamics of quarterback collectibility, this episode will leave you with plent...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 545
In this episode, John (@packnicholson) returns to Stacking Slabs to share the story of his journey with the 2012 Select Gold LeBron James /10 PSA 9. It’s a conversation about the thrill of the chase, the joy of finally holding a grail, and the unexpected decision to move on from it. John reflects on why he pursued the card, the emotional rollercoaster of acquiring it, and how it ultimately didn’t bring the satisfaction he expected. We discuss what happens when a significant card becomes more of ...
Dec 13, 2024•39 min•Ep. 544
In this week’s Auction Talk , Brett and Nic dive into the fascinating stories behind some of the most exciting cards hitting the auction block. Leading off, they discuss the 2012 Topps Finest Peyton Manning Superfractor 1/1 PSA 8, a card that epitomizes the thrill of eBay seven-day auctions. Other highlights include conversations around Caitlin Clark’s skyrocketing card market and the historic significance of the 1998 Skybox EX-2001 Dan Marino Essential Credentials. Plus, they reflect on their f...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 543
Why do collectors pair cards? How does it shape our collections, psychology, and connection to the hobby? In this episode of Stacking Slabs, we dive into the concept of pairing cards, exploring its emotional and strategic impacts. Discover why collectors create pairings to tell stories and how this approach reflects a deeper connection to their favorite players, rivalries, and moments. Brett shares personal examples, like his Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton pairings, and examines the ways pairing he...
Dec 11, 2024•22 min•Ep. 542
In this Collector Showcase episode, I sit down with Tim, a passionate 49ers fan and collector, to explore the stories behind his favorite pieces. Tim shares how his love for the team shapes his collecting decisions and the strategies he uses to find cards that mean the most to him. This episode highlights the importance of collecting with intention and the personal connections that make this hobby special. Whether you're a longtime collector or someone curious about the 49ers’ legacy, Tim’s appr...
Dec 06, 2024•52 min•Ep. 541
In this episode of Auction Talk, Brett and Nic dive into the unique dynamics of December auctions. They break down the opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers during the holiday season, explore how external factors like taxes and holiday spending impact the market, and share strategies for navigating this time of year. From unexpected finds to the evolution of card value trends, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone paying attention to auctions this month. D...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 540
In this episode, Brett dives into the psychology of change in collecting. Why is it so hard to pivot in our collections, and what holds us back? Brett shares personal stories about how professional experiences in tech have influenced his approach to evolving his collection. From letting go of cards that no longer spark joy to embracing new opportunities, this conversation is all about growth, focus, and finding fulfillment in collecting. If you’ve ever wrestled with the decision to shift your co...
Dec 04, 2024•23 min•Ep. 539
In this Collector Conversation, Gunther (@guntherscards) shares his approach to finding rare cards that never hit public marketplaces. From meticulous research to leveraging relationships, Gunther explains how persistence, preparation, and creative problem-solving lead to acquiring grail cards. Hear the stories behind some of his favorite finds, his strategies for navigating pop reports and sales data, and why asking the right questions can be a game-changer. Whether you're chasing a Tom Brady g...
Nov 29, 2024•55 min•Ep. 538
In this special Thanksgiving edition of Auction Talk, Nic and Brett dive into recent sales from the Fanatics Premier Auction and SSP Auction Spotlight. They discuss key sales, like the Jerry Rice National Treasures Shield Auto, the Griffey PMG, and the LeBron James EX Essential Credentials. Along the way, we explore the current state of the football and basketball card markets, the growing interest in 90s sets, and how private sales influence public auctions. Whether you’re enjoying leftovers or...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 537
In this Thanksgiving week flagship episode of Stacking Slabs, Brett dives into the mindset of paying up for rare and scarce cards. He shares personal stories about adding key pieces to his collection and unpacks the psychology behind true collector conviction. From understanding the differences between rarity and scarcity to embracing flexibility when navigating last comps, this episode offers actionable insights for collectors of all levels. What cards in your collection are worth paying up for...
Nov 27, 2024•26 min•Ep. 536
In this episode of Stacking Slabs , Brett chats with Chris (@cardicsportscards), the creator of The Smarter Collector , about building resources for collectors. They dive into the purpose of top-of-funnel content, the motivations behind launching The Smarter Collector , and how it bridges gaps in the hobby. Chris shares insights on balancing fatherhood, personal health, and collecting, all while producing thoughtful content for the community. They also explore how collectors can navigate challen...
Nov 22, 2024•45 min•Ep. 535
In Episode 39 of Auction Talk, Brett and Nic explore the challenges of navigating auctions as both competitors and collaborators. They kick off the conversation by discussing how to handle anonymous competition in bidding wars, sharing strategies to assess interest and manage anxiety when chasing a card you really want. From there, they tackle the tricky topic of bidding ethics with friends, offering ideas for how to balance personal goals with maintaining relationships when targeting the same c...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 534
In this episode of Stacking Slabs, host Brett dives deep into the psychology of collecting. Brett explores why collections evolve over time and the emotional and external factors influencing these changes. He shares personal stories and insights, including lessons learned from his own collecting journey. From the nostalgic pull of significant cards to the thrill of the chase, Brett offers a thoughtful perspective on how collectors can navigate their evolving passions while finding contentment in...
Nov 20, 2024•29 min•Ep. 533
Welcome to the second episode of Card Ladder Confidential featuring Chris (@chris_hoj) and Josh (@cardboard_chronicles) from Card Ladder. This series explores how the analytical and emotional side of collection meet. In this month's episode we analyze Prizm Black Finite 1/1 sales from a public and private perspective. Also, we dig into buying format and explore why there's been a rush acquire as many Black Finites as possible. We hit on the proper decorum for posting stats, facts, and other non-...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 532
Kevin (@DaCaptain37) returns to SSP to discuss Tom Brady collecting in a post-retirement era. He shares what the Brady market has been like and opportunities collectors can look at who want to enter. Also, there's a discussion around card shows and why prospecting ultra-modern QBs has been brutal across the board. Buy some new gear at the SSP Merch Stand Subscribe to the Stacking Slabs YouTube Page Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod...
Nov 15, 2024•55 min•Ep. 531
In this week's episode of Auction Talk we discuss the bidding strategies on various platforms, auctions you might have missed last week on eBay, Card Ladder Headlines, listener mailbag questions, and dig into the auctions that are catching our attention this week. Don't forget to check out The Wharf Sports Cards for all of your consignment and card funding needs. Subscribe to the Stacking Slabs YouTube Page Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen t...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 530
In this week's flagship episode Brett discusses mindset and approaches when building out the collection of your dreams. He explores topics like the psychology of interacting with other collectors, the psychology of proactively vs. reactivity in card pursuits, and finding happiness in collecting. Buy some new gear at the SSP Merch Stand Subscribe to the Stacking Slabs YouTube Page Get exclusive content, promote your cards, and connect with other collectors who listen to the pod today by joining t...
Nov 13, 2024•25 min•Ep. 529
