For the Love of Cards

Big Hurts aka Diamondback Lee is back in the building to talk us through the Superbowl and how he's feeling fragile for two reasons (being a Chiefs fan as well as being sleep deprived). FYI, the three of us are sleep deprived so please refrain from commenting on the bags under our eyes! We break down player performances and what it means for the card market, as well as how the last solds look for quarterback rookie cards. Card show season for 2025 has officially kick-started with the London Card Show having taken place over the past week. Lee goes through his highlights of the weekend.

On our latest episode we are joined by Josh at Grape Grails where we find out about his journey into card collecting, what he gains from being part of the community and the importance of connections. We also discuss the controversy surrounding Backyard Breaks, the pros and cons of breaking in general and how it can improve. We also give our views on Trade Wii's doors opening this past weekend and the positive impact it will make and has already made in just a few days.

On this episode we are joined by Packrip Mahomes, host of the Card Show Podcast. We discuss the current climate in the Hobby including the complexity of breaking, social media influencers and the positive and negative impact they can have, the gambling aspect of collecting, the future of card shops, collectors vs. flippers and the importance of community. An insightful, positive and honest listen. Check out Packrip's podcast here. 

We're joined by Paul from Trade Wii Cards and Football Cards Direct on this episode. We discuss the upcoming opening of the Trade Wii Cards shop at the end of month and what people can expect to find. Paul also shares with us Trade Wii's success, the importance of growing community hubs, the evolution of the card market and what the future holds. We also find out what his prediction is for 2025.  You can find out more about Trade Wii here.

It's 2025 and it's time to decide on what our collecting aspirations will be. What do Leigh and Ben want to pick up this year? Listen to find out! On this episode we discuss the craze of people pulling apart their Panini memorabilia cards to discover they've not been worn by the player as shown on the card and the impact this has. We also talk about the value of darts cards and the hype around the Luke Littler Rookie Season release, as well as touch on the announcement of Series 1 2025 Baseball and what rookies we think collectors will be chasing. 

Your hosts are back for the penultimate episode of 2024 where Leigh gives us an update on how things are going with the new location for Triple C as well as Ben having a darts player sliding into his DM's after pulling a 1/1. They both also give their rookie picks for hockey, basketball, baseball and soccer for 2025. Will their "hot" takes be successful or fail miserably like when many invested money into Mason Greenwood's rookie cards? Merry Christmas to all of our listeners!

On this episode Ben is joined by Pav from Grid Cards UK. We discuss the latest two Topps releases in Chrome 2024 and Paddock Pass and whether they've been a hit, as well as the anticipation for upcoming releases. We also discuss the evolution of collecting F1 cards and the best advice when it comes to collecting. Pav also answers some quick-fire questions including what two drivers he would have on his own F1 team. You can find out more at gridcards.co.uk and on Instagram and Tik-Tok by searching Grid Cards UK.

Lee and Ben have Jordan rubbing shoulders with them to discuss the latest on the Scotland Card Show, another breaker pulling a 1/1 and deciding to take it for themselves, and how WhatNot can rectify the situation and build on their success to not allow a minority ruin what is a great platform. This episode was sponsored by Nappy Wrap: the best protection for your cards.

On our Christmas special episode we're joined by Chris from 3rd Down, Laurence from Iconic Cards and Luke from PCommando Cards making his podcast debut...how did it take so long?! We reflect on what has been a successful 2024 discussing what we've learnt, what our highlights are and our views on if there are any concerns for the growth of the Hobby in the UK. We end the episode with a Christmas/Sports card themed quiz. It's fair to say our guests had a nightmare and Ben needs to go away to learn how time-zones work. 

On this episode Ben and Leigh discuss the Paul Skenes 1/1 Debut patch chase and the bounty it has it on, as well as the brand new Luke Littler set that has literally just dropped that is already hit the secondary market. Leigh also has news on Triple C and tells us why he actively avoids 'Last Christmas' by Wham. 

Deceit strikes on WhatNot and we're here to address it! We discuss why Colourblast-gate is going to blow over and how one bad apple doesn't spoil the rest of the bunch when it comes to getting involved in breaks. We give our thoughts on the latest London Card Show, as well as what our investment insights are for the player's cards that are worth picking up right now. 

Leigh is sitting this one out (pun intended) due to an incident he's had with a sofa. On this episode Ben tests Lee's baseball knowledge and the most unusual relics being in a near future release. We also discuss the NFL London game, as well as unpopular opinions including whether breakers are bad for the Hobby. Serial killers and murderers also get a mention...you know how it is, there's very little filter on this podcast!

The return of the podcast. We are back in action and this time we have a new co-host joining us in Big Hurtz aka. Diamondback Lee. Tune in for Hobby related waffle with the best trio since Charlie's Angels, the Beastie Boys and Paddy Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce!

If Carlberg did podcasts, our podcast would be the greatest podcast in the world. FYI, we're joking and Carlsberg is a bobbins beers. Tune in to find out what Ben and Leigh would have in their own Hobby related pub from what songs would be on the jukebox to who we would have working behind the bar. An insightful and mad listen. We also give our thoughts on the upcoming 3rd Down Displays shop and the Sport Card Social.

Ben and Leigh are joined by Craig, the man behind Home Plate Cards UK; the UK's only dedicated website for all things baseball cards. We discuss baseball breaks and Craig's favourite pulls, prospects to look out for if you're new to collecting, and baseball's appeal in the Hobby and how it's influenced other sports cards. We also find out what Craig's favourite cards are including a great football PC he's put together and how the accessibility to sealed product and packs can be maximised. 

We're joined by Lee from Diamondback Cards to talk humble brags, his love for adult sized turtles and all things breaking, including how to host successful breaks, the entertainment factor and how knowledge is power when knowing the products and sports you're opening. On this episode we also discuss whether there is value in repacks, the absolutely banging Diamond Hit repacks Diamondback have curated and who we would Snog, Marry, Avoid in the Hobby. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave a review.    

Christos and Charlie from the Case Hit Podcast join your hosts this week. We discuss the success of the inaugural Fanatics Fest and whether it could be popular if hosted in Europe, the impact of athlete signings at shows and the Travis Scott baseball release. We also discuss the potential of Topps Now cards and the chase for the 1/1 Lebron, Steph and KD Olympics triple auto. We give our predictions for the new Premier League season and our players to look out for. This episode was powered by Jamie Vardy's love of Red Bull.

We're back after a short hiatus. On this episode we're joined by Marc, the man behind the Sports Card Social. We discuss his show ahead of it's third edition on 14th September and what people can expect. We also tap into Marc's love for F1 cards, the importance of sports only shows and the benefits of sustaining relationships in the Hobby. Purchase your tickets for the Sports Card Social - it's bound to be another fantastic day! If you enjoy the podcast, leave a review.

We thought we wouldn't have much to talk about, but we are two guys who don't shut up. Your questions helped us and we hope you enjoy our answers. On this episode we also discuss the news regarding Sport Card Social and we are asking you one thing; Community: Assemble! Card show saturation, is it a problem? Tune in and find out.

On this episode we're joined by Dan Keane (@sportscardsuk). Dan discusses how to purchase intelligently, the new Chrome release, him being a Hobby fashionista, how a Michael Jordan Fleer sticker made him fall in love with card collecting and his views on grading and whether we're in a slab wax era. Lots of great knowledge dropped on this episode. If you enjoy the podcast, leave a review.

Quitting while we're on a high? Hanging up the podcast mic? All good things must come to an end…or do they? The Hobby is ALIVE and we're still alive! On this episode we have a debrief of the Manchester Card Con and discuss opening weekend at the grand unveiling of Leigh's shop, Triple C.

Ben and Leigh discuss the upcoming Manchester Card Convention, our aspirations to get Leigh a specific piece of Jamie Vardy memorabilia and what would be in our Hobby Manifesto, because why not? We also recap the England vs Switzerland quarter final. Harry Kane is rubbish.

Mediocre draft picks leave us wondering if the lack of excitement will impact rookie chases in next year's products. Leigh fancies himself as the next Tiger King, Ben rates overhead kicks and the Wemby & CJ Stroud dual auto gets pulled. It will be blasphemy if Leigh doesn't get a Topps Now card, so sort it out Topps!

We're joined by Laurence from Iconic Trading Cards about an Oasis card collection that is on the horizon. It's definitely maybe an exciting release, d'you know what I mean? Ben and Leigh also discuss the Stanley Cup Final and the prices of athletes cards taking an upwards spike after they pass away. No puns were harmed in the making of this episode description.

We want your votes for podcast of the year! Each vote helps our egos grow. Ben and Leigh discuss dogs doing their business on football shirts, the finale of the NBA Finals, the NHL's latest franchise and the second season of King of Collectables.

We're joined by Jordan from the Scotland Card Show (20:36) to find out all the important info ahead of their third show on 29th June and we get to know him as a collector. We also discuss the MLB London Series that was played over the weekend at West Ham's stadium, our nomination for podcast of the year and Leigh gives us an update on the card shop he's opening this summer.

Leigh let's us know how his trip to LA went including his visits to card shops and him being taken out to the ball game. We also give our thoughts on the Champions League Final and the England Euros squad.

Ben and Leigh's give their thoughts on the Yorkshire and Birmingham Card Show. Adam (@theyorkshirecollector) checks in to reflect on the YCS and the inaugural Yorkshire Cup charity football match (35:12). We also touch base on the NBA and Stanley Cup Playoffs, and what players during the Premier League season had us talking.

Panini lose another licence and everyone is losing their minds! Also, Bowman 2024 is finally here. Is it worth the buzz? Find out who the big prospects are with HWTexas. We also discuss the non-negotiables whether you're a buyer, seller or breaker.

Guest appearance with one of the UK's leading basketball breakers Ben aka. B.P Cards who gives us the lowdown on Wemby and other rookies who have been performing, his venture with Cards4Kids, basketball breaks and his best starting five of all time. Keynote or Keyonte? Come and tune in!

A breakdown of the inaugural Midlands Card Show and our pick-ups, an update on the NBA and Stanley Cup Playoffs and Mario Ballotelli being written into football folklore. Listeners, got any Kool-Aid?

The Stanley Cup and NBA playoffs have arrived. Ben and Leigh discuss what teams and players they believe will prevail. We also chat with Chris from 3rd Down Displays (20:24) to find out more about the man behind the brand and throw some quick-fire questions his way.

Fanatics monopolising the Hobby and playing God, big news regarding PSA, a new documentary that has landed on Amazon and a new Bad Boys of the Hobby feature of a player who's lesser known nickname is the Red Mist. FTLOC is hosted by Ben (@rainycitycards) and Leigh (@cardileighsportscards).

Delving into the current climate of the Hobby and what changes should be made for the better, sports card shops, loaded boxes and another unwanted bad boy pick-up. *In regard to the subject of loaded boxes, no individuals will be named, however the person in question alleged to have been offered/provided with loaded boxes opened up lines of communication with us whereby they deny their involvement. They have been open in regard to the source's claims stating they are malicious and unfair accusations. Although this is a subject that needs to take place, we do not condone naming individuals due to the negative and damaging impact it could have. Our intent is to see the Hobby be a honest and safe place hence why subjects in this episode have been discussed. The source refuses to waive their anonymity and without this, we are unable to speculate further.

One of one mania including a beautiful 1/1 Jacques Kallis (and that one of one Wemby ruined with his toddler scribbles), an update on the challenge Ben and Leigh set each other, a deep dive on Stan Collymore and more.

MLB Opening Day and rookies to look out for, Wemby does scribbles, a big family discovery, Topps Cricket making a lot of noise, sets we would love to see, drug dealing footballers and more.

The madness of NFL Free Agency, what gives us the ick in the Hobby, a deep dive into the 1952 Mickey Mantle card and a summary of the Northern Card Show.

Showing the love for Muzzy Izzet, Leicester Card Show recap, the incredulous Connor Bedard hype, Topps Gold not being as good as a well-loved biscuit and not investing in Wander Franco cards. He's a bad man, but not as much of a bad man as an ex-Man City midfielder!