Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) is fresh off a 4-day setup at the Minnesota Card Show where she was the only dealer repping a full WNBA and NCAA women’s basketball showcase. In this episode, we break down the sales, the conversations, and the takeaways from collectors of all ages who stopped by her table—including a moment that says everything about why this space matters. We also talk about: Our favorite fits, surprises, and winners from the WNBA Draft How Panini Instant draft cards are received in t...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 618
It’s WrestleMania week, and I couldn’t think of a better way to kick it off than with a conversation about collecting Rhea Ripley cards. In this episode, I’m joined by Roscoe (@lonnieskywalkerivcollector), who’s built what I believe to be the best Rhea Ripley collection in the world. We talk about: How he got into collecting Rhea The impact of her rise from tag team to top of the card The 1/1 Select Black and Gold Vinyl Select stories Managing his budget as card values rise Panini vs. Topps and ...
Apr 18, 2025•42 min•Ep. 617
In this episode of Smashing BIN , we sit down with Drake (@drakes_pc) to break down one of the most iconic BIN smashes in recent collecting memory: the $1,500 2012 Peyton Manning Gold Prizm. Drake shares the full story—from being nudged by a hobby friend to smash BIN during the pandemic, to watching the market explode around a card he never planned to flip. This conversation is all about the moment a collector acts on instinct, the relationships that make the hobby feel like home, and the lesson...
Apr 17, 2025•59 min•Ep. 616
In this episode, Brett breaks down the personal side of collection management and why it’s the key to staying in the hobby long term. Whether you collect in one lane or across several, managing your focus, budget, and energy helps you build a collection that reflects who you are — and keeps you fired up along the way. Topics covered include: The difference between collection management and portfolio management Budget management as the foundation How engagement shifts over time Narrow vs. multi-l...
Apr 16, 2025•25 min•Ep. 615
This week’s Passion to Profession features Mark, owner of Paradise Card Breaks, one of the fastest-growing and most community-driven card shops in the hobby. From humble beginnings breaking on Facebook during COVID lockdowns to building a 22-person team in the heart of Las Vegas, Mark shares what it really takes to build a trusted business in today’s sports card industry. We talk about: Building a brand without a bankroll Creating experiences that keep collectors coming back Breaking on eBay Liv...
Apr 14, 2025•49 min•Ep. 614
The debut episode of The WNBA Card Podcast is here. Co-hosts Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) and Brett (@stackingslabs) kick things off by unpacking the growing momentum in women’s basketball cards. They react to UConn’s championship run, share thoughts on Sarah Strong’s market spike, and talk about why Bowman Firsts and Prizm parallels are shaping the future of WNBA collecting. The conversation hits everything from the draft to underrated prospects, hobby opportunities, and favorite recent pickups. W...
Apr 12, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 613
In this collector conversation, I catch up with my friend Kevin (@dacaptain37) to talk about the current state of the hobby from behind the table. We're hearing a lot about big numbers in online sales, but is that momentum showing up at local and regional shows? Kevin shares what’s moving, what’s not, and how different segments of the market—from Brady rookies to Pokémon to vintage baseball—are performing in-person. We also touch on what the repacker wave means for collectors, and how shows are ...
Apr 11, 2025•54 min•Ep. 612
What makes a collector hit “Buy It Now” without thinking twice? This week on Smashing BIN , John (@packnicholson) joins the show to break down the psychology behind BIN moments and the 2024 Prizm Jaylon Johnson Black Finite 1/1 as his subject. We talk about the psychology of passing, the weight of regret, and the feeling of relief when the second chance comes around. We explore what it means to stay patient, how to trust your gut, and why some cards deserve to be overpaid for. With help from Car...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 611
We don’t smash BIN because of comps. We smash because the card hits something inside us. In this episode, I’m talking through the psychology of the BIN smash—the real reasons collectors hit Buy It Now without hesitation. I share my personal process, what I’ve learned from others, and the emotional phases we go through when the right card shows up, and why we created a dedicated show about it. This isn’t about logic. It’s about desire, instinct, and what it means to build a collection that reflec...
Apr 09, 2025•24 min•Ep. 610
In this episode of Passion to Profession , I sit down with brothers Curt and Aaron from BBC Emporium to talk about their journey from passionate collectors to business owners. We go deep into what it takes to run a successful business in today's hobby, how their mindset has shifted from collecting to serving, and what makes BBC Emporium feel like home to the local collector community. We cover: – Why connection matters more than comps – Lessons from the early days of setting up shop – How they t...
Apr 07, 2025•56 min•Ep. 609
Rodney (@enjoycards_ig) joins the show for a collector conversation rooted in passion, purpose, and Pacers. We talk about how he became a fan of the Indiana Pacers and why Tyrese Haliburton became his guy. Rodney shares his collecting story, from Duke days and Grant Hill admiration to his gold Halliburton chase. We explore the psychology of choosing a player, committing to a team, and letting aesthetics guide the journey. You’ll hear about: His Halliburton Black 1/1 Prizm and how he landed it Th...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 608
In this debut episode of Smashing BIN , I sit down with Paul (@wardle_kombat) to break down one of the most legendary Buy It Now moments in recent collecting memory, his late-night Walmart parking lot pickup of a 2000 Bowman Gold Brady rookie /99. We talk about: What made him smash BIN without hesitation How that one decision led to owning three copies Why understanding rarity is more powerful than comp chasing What that card allowed him to do years later (think vacations, a new house, and more)...
Apr 03, 2025•52 min•Ep. 607
Letting go of a card right after you bought it doesn’t make you a flipper. It makes you adaptable. In this episode, Brett breaks down why collectors shouldn't feel guilt or shame for making fast moves. You’ll hear about the mindset shift that helped him stop caring what others think and start building a collection that actually means something. Topics covered: Why intent and transparency matter more than timelines How ego can hold collectors back Why the “flipper” label misses the point The real...
Apr 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 606
In this episode of Card Ladder Confidential , Chris and Josh are back to talk cards, collecting strategies, and the psychology behind how we rank and value what we own. We start with a cold open—if your collection was a March Madness bracket, which card cuts down the nets? We dive into: How Card Ladder is improving price prediction with more accurate historical data The fine line between educating vs. pumping on social media Tech enhancements that improve collecting, like PSA to eBay flow and AI...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 605
In this episode of Passion to Profession , I'm joined by Ryan from Ryan's Cardhouse, one of the top live sellers on eBay. Ryan turned a childhood love for Pokémon into a full-time business and built a thriving community around ripping, collecting, and live selling. We talk about: How social media drives his business Why entertainment and community are core to what he’s building The current Pokémon boom and what’s driving demand Why live selling is the future of retail Building a trusted brand an...
Mar 31, 2025•39 min•Ep. 604
In this episode, I'm joined by David (@mostly90sbasketballcards) for a deep conversation about the often overlooked and underrated world of college card collecting. David is a die-hard Wisconsin Badgers fan who’s built his collection around his love for the team, not the draft picks, not the pro careers, but the players who wore the W. We get into: Why college cards matter What makes college collecting so difficult (and rewarding) The unique challenges with current products like Bowman Chrome U ...
Mar 28, 2025•47 min•Ep. 603
This is it—Episode 57 and the final chapter of Auction Talk. In this one, Brett and Nic reflect on what this show has meant, how it changed their perspective on collecting, and why stepping back (for now) makes sense. They cover: What they learned about the market through weekly conversation The importance of putting yourself out there Respecting different collector personas What the Paul Skenes sale to Dick’s Sporting Goods could mean for the future of high-end auctions Otani’s surprising aucti...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 602
There’s no single way to collect. In this flagship episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own collecting evolution and reflecting on what’s changed since the beginning. From flipping to player PCs, from scattered buying to focused goals—I’ve been through it all. This episode is about finding your lane and honoring it. Whether you're a set builder, a nostalgia collector, or someone exploring a new category, this conversation is meant to help you feel seen, understood, and inspired to keep go...
Mar 26, 2025•22 min•Ep. 601
Sharon (@BlackJadedWolf) has been a fixture in the hobby for over two decades , building a reputation as a sharp dealer, trendsetter, and collector-first business owner. In this episode, we get into: Her early days collecting and transitioning into full-time selling How she carved out a niche in a vintage-dominated market The art of buying, selling, and timing trends What makes WNBA cards such an exciting space right now The importance of branding and reputation in the hobby Sharon has built som...
Mar 24, 2025•53 min•Ep. 600
What does it take to build one of the best player collections in the world? Beau (@Roethlisbergercollector7) has been collecting Ben Roethlisberger cards since 2004, stacking some of the rarest and most sought-after pieces along the way. In this episode, we dive into what fuels his passion, how he tracks down key cards, and the evolution of his collection from mass accumulation to a focus on true scarcity. We also get into: The challenges of collecting a player tied to a die-hard fanbase like th...
Mar 21, 2025•42 min•Ep. 599
Auction Talk is back with another big week of sales and insights from the auction market. Nic at The Wharf Sports Cards had his biggest weekly auction yet, and we break down what’s driving the momentum. We cover key sales, including a monster Paul Skenes card that’s flirting with a million dollars, the ongoing rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and under-the-radar plays collectors should be watching. We also discuss the evolution of consignment businesses, how auction marketing has changed, and st...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 598
The National is on my mind, and even though I don’t go to a ton of shows, I have strong opinions on how to make the most of your time when you're there. This episode is all about preparation, efficiency, and making sure you're operating on offense—not just showing up and hoping for the best. I’ll share my strategies for pre-work, why collector-to-collector deals are the best, and how relationships can help you land key cards before the show even starts. Whether you're heading to The National, a ...
Mar 19, 2025•24 min•Ep. 597
In this episode of Passion to Profession , I sit down with Stan and Roger from 4 Sharp Corners, one of the biggest names in the graded card market. We talk about how childhood friends turned their love of collecting into a full-time business that has submitted over 5 million cards to PSA. They share how they saw the opportunity in professional grading before it took off, the challenges of scaling, and the mindset that has kept them at the top of the game for over 20 years. We also get into: The ...
Mar 17, 2025•55 min•Ep. 596
Women's basketball cards are having a moment. Katelyn (@coldlunchcards) returns to Stacking Slabs to break down the growth of WNBA and NCAA women's basketball cards, the role Caitlin Clark has played in driving the market, and the rise of prospecting for the NCAA Women's Tournament. We talk about: The explosion of interest in WNBA cards How Unrivaled is changing the game What makes this NCAA Women's Tournament special The best opportunities in the card market right now Katelyn shares her process...
Mar 14, 2025•53 min•Ep. 595
This week on Auction Talk , Nic and I dive into the latest trends, key sales, and the cards collectors are chasing. From rare ‘90s inserts to modern monsters, we cover it all, including: The Tom Brady 2004 Fleer EX Essential Credentials Now /19 jersey number copy and why it might be undervalued. A 1998 Ultra Masterpieces Cal Ripken Jr. 1/1 and the case for Ripken getting more hobby love. The coveted 1998 Ken Griffey Jr. Red Crusade /25 and why these cards matter to collectors How Caitlin Clark c...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 594
The best collectors don’t go at it alone. Conversations shape the way we collect, helping us make smarter purchases, uncover rare finds, and build lasting relationships. In this episode, I break down why talking to other collectors is the most underrated edge in the hobby. I’ll share insights from my recent conversations like what I learned, how they changed my perspective, and why surrounding yourself with the right people will take your collecting to the next level. If you’re not talking to ot...
Mar 12, 2025•26 min•Ep. 593
Adam at AMT Memorabilia turned his passion for collecting into one of the top-selling eBay businesses in the hobby. In this episode of Passion to Profession , he shares his journey from breaking UFC cards for fun to running a full-scale consignment and breaking operation. We talk about: The mindset shift from collecting to business His approach to standing out in a crowded marketplace The challenges of scaling from a solo operation to a team How AMT is bridging the gap between card shows and onl...
Mar 10, 2025•54 min•Ep. 592
In this episode, I sit down with longtime collector Joey (@the.e.trader) to talk about what it means to identify cards as good stores of value. Joey has built his collection by recognizing opportunities, whether it's picking up rare Kobe PMGs or capitalizing on market shifts in Tom Brady gold parallels. We break down: How to spot undervalued cards The balance between collecting and investing Why understanding a market inside and out gives you an edge The importance of buying cards that don’t req...
Mar 07, 2025•42 min•Ep. 591
This week on Auction Talk , Nic from The Wharf Sports Cards and I go deep into auction trends, and the conversation takes a turn right away. We spend time analyzing a key threshold—$3,000—and what it tells us about the market’s health. Collectors are making moves, consolidating into bigger cards, and the numbers back it up. We discuss: The rise in $3K+ sales and what it means Why GOATs like MJ, LeBron, Kobe, Brady, and Bonds continue to dominate Set collectors quietly shaping the market (2012 Pr...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 590
Collectors have lanes, but sometimes stepping outside those lanes can lead to some of the most rewarding moments in the hobby. In this episode, I explore what it means to identify opportunities beyond your primary collection. When do you recognize a shift? What drives the decision to explore a new category? How do you balance curiosity with discipline? I share a personal experience of spotting an opportunity, the thought process behind making the move, and why I believe experimentation is crucia...
Mar 05, 2025•22 min•Ep. 589
